The Sylvan Realm #37 (#81)

[GM Mad]

Sylvan Realm #37 (#81)

December 8th, CR 571 or Deepnight 30th, 20,519 AP

The elves are winding up their stay at Karn's Keep. Those traveling on the Sunflower will be returning to the Elfholds for a day of rest and relaxation. Those taking the Lady Iris will be making a stop at the Lost Valley to meet Nightmist. The two groups are finishing up their visiting.


Myev

The tall blue elf called Myev thought she met her friend the Argent from the Elder Ruins to the north of the Sylvan Realm. But instead it is a different one who never met Myev before.

Kylie translates as requested and repeats the request to Myev to put Argent down. It works and Myev complies, but admits to being confused. "She is a friend, but not the one you're thinking of. And yes, it is confusing for all of us."

“Okay,” Myev answers, her face showing signs of trying to make sense of all of this. “Then were is my friend at?”

“At home recovering,” Argent will ask Kylie to translate. “We'll make arrangements for you two to meet. Does that sound good?”

Myev is in agreement to that.


Gweyr

“Not knowing is better than knowing, I’m afraid. My family is broken all that remains is my clansman and my faith in Ehlonna. My mother died when I was just a babe. My father I never knew. Some say he was a coward. Some say taken as a prisoner. I don’t know what to believe. All I know is he is out there and I’d like to think he is looking out for me even though the chances of that are slim to none.” he says somberly.

“But you're an elf,” Gweyr softly counters. “Like all elves, your clan IS your family. While your birth parents were not around there were others who filled those roles. I've seen you spend time with that one Clan Elder. What was his name? Treelife? You two very much have a father and son relationship.”

The Sylvan Realm is now my home. Everything I own an hold dear is there.” he stats as well. “ It is good to start a new.” he adds simply.

“You are not the only one who feels that way,” Gweyr adds. “It is a new start for many of us. I'll be glad to be back there once these troubles have faded. I too am starting new there and will have many things to do in my new home.”

Laucian takes a step away to be away from the flames.

“Not to worry,” Gweyr says with a laugh. “Its more for show than for anything. Something to frighten the unknowing.”


Mara

A hearty laugh comes to the elf ranger cleric, “No, I am no knight, nor do I serve your people.” he says simply but not wishing to be rude. “ The Golden Gryphons of your realm are based upon ours in part. The Golden Gryphons are an air cavalry unit. We ride actual Gryphons. We are from all walks of elfin life and are sworn to the protection of our way of life. Whether it be by scouting, sending messages or providing our ground troops air support with bow, blade or magic.”

“That must be a sight to see,” Mara answers. “An entire unit of elves riding griffons into battle. I'd hate to be on the wrong end of that.”

“We, along with other followers of the Lady of the Forests, are also working to restoring her shrine in the Sylvan Realm,” Valena adds. “Among our many tasks.”

“A most noble endeavor,” Mara agrees. “Best of luck in fortifying and spreading the name of the Lady of the Forests.”

[GM Mad]

Argent

Onas glances back at the trio before returning his attention to Argent and Kylie. "Thank you, Argent. I thought I detected some family resemblance. And she trained both of you... She must be quite the teacher."

“Among others,” Argent tells Onas. “And yes, she is a very good teacher, but an even better friend.”

"Just something that popped into my head," Kylie admits. "I don't really even have a good idea for a spell to go with it. Good thing I have plenty of time to think about such things."

“Typically, new spells are created to fill a void or solve a particular problem,” Argent notes. “An advanced form of Light spell perhaps?”

A perplexed look crosses Kylie's face. "This whole situation is so new, I'm not sure we really have a good sense of how much you all are different and how much you are alike."

“Well, we are all alike,” Argent tries to explain. “Up until two months ago there was only one me. After the accident, we thought there was only two us. Myself and Lady Argent. But you found others and I've heard that there may be as many as six of us, although not all of them are still alive. Which is really creepy if you think about!”

“For instance, I remember all the things we did as apprentices while learning from Jallarzi,” Argent continues. “Working in the kitchen, getting to know each other. As does Lady Argent and the one you found up north. Where our experiences change is after the accident, as we've all been living our own separate lives. I went out and adventured around Elcadan after that. Lady Argent met you and the Guardians. The one you found was far from home and in a horrible situation. I have no knowledge of the things you did around Corunglain since I was not there. So all those former Guardians who are here today are strangers to me. Likewise, Lady Argent and the other one don't know the people who I am traveling with as well as I do.”

“We all started from the same place, but have gone our own ways since the accident,” Argent concludes. “In some ways it is a blessing as since there were a lot of things I wanted to do, but was never sure I could find the time to do them all. Now we can since there are more of us. So Lady Argent and I are helping out in the war effort. The other one is back home, helping out our family. We are now able to do so many things at the same time.”


Lord Sharadin

“I agree,” Lilia states. “Rising up together against a common threat is the sign of a civilized society. In time, we will be looking for regular trade with Cynalon. The Elder Pillars will help us be not so far away.”

“We will be ready to do so,” Lord Sharadin agrees. “When the time comes and our own troubles are behind us.”


Sherwood

Kylie listens to Sherwood's description of his near-term plans. "I hope your mission with the Seekers goes well. Events in the Sylvan Realm have kept us quite busy, too, and I don't see that changing anytime soon." It's not the first time that she's had cause to wonder when they might get a break to pursue more personal matters.

“We'll see how it goes,” Sherwood says. “I've met a few of the Seekers before, so its not like I'm dropping in on a group of complete strangers. We'll meet again somewhere down the line. Probably when you least expect it.”


Jallarzi

"I see," Kylie replies, nodding. "She went back to using her birth name; I think she mentioned once that Argent was not her 'real' name, though I had forgotten until now. I am happy to wait and let her reveal it if she chooses to do so."

“I'm sure she will do so,” Jallarzi says. “After all, you'll have to call her something. I will say that Tanner is her last name, since it is the name of her families store.”

Kylie mentally pictures the area that Jallarzi describes. She doesn't know that part of Crossroads well, but is fairly certain that she can find it. "Yes, I've seen that one in the packet Sherwood gave me, though I haven't actually tried it yet. I think I can find my way from their to the shop. Thank you for letting me know, Jallarzi."

“The staff at the Inn is all in our employ, so you won't have any issues with them,” Jallarzi explains. “They are accustomed to strangers suddenly arriving from the teleport area. Crossroads is a big city, on the scale of Elcadan but without all the horrible parts to it.”


Kylie and Talen

It has been revealed that Kylie and Talen are in a relationship.

"Thank you, Sherwood. Our relationship has grown slowly, but hopefully that means it will last."

“I hope it does,” Sherwood agrees.

"Wha-? Wedding?!" Kylie exclaims. "That seems a bit premature, Jallarzi, considering that we've only kissed once or twice."

“It's never to soon to make wedding plans,” Jallarzi says excitedly. “Much to do, much to do!”

The twins come over to offer their own congratulations, giving both Talen and Kylie hugs.

"Don't worry about Jallarzi and her plans," the twins tell Kylie. "Jallarzi has been planning our weddings for years!"

Lord Sharadin soon follows. “Congratulations,” Lord Sharadin offers to the couple. “May you both find happiness in the years to come.”

As the meeting and greeting breaks up, Jallarzi teleports away and returns to the war effort going on in Corunglain. Sherwood grasps Lifeshield and uses it to take him to where the Seekers are at down in the Great Southern Sea.

[GM Mad]

The Voyage of the Sunflower

The adventurers make for their perspective ships waiting on the small lake behind Karn's Keep. Lothtor, shape changed into an elf, joins the elves on the Sunflower. Myev and Gweyr take control of the spell engines. Lothtor uses the same trick that Silvarn used to make the Sunflower fly faster.

The Sunflower rises up high in the sky at first and then starts to accelerate over the mountains. Soon the hills and mountains give way to a large plain where the forest of the Elfholds sits. Less than five minutes after leaving Karn's Keep, the site of the first drop off arrives. Feadil is the first of the Clan Holds to be reached, as it is the one farthest east. Feadil sits on the shores of Lake Selinar. This is where Valena gets off.

About forty miles west of Feadil is the Longrunner Clan Hold of Pinitel. This is the destination for Gweyr. To the southwest of Pinitel lies the village of Alastrad, the Clan Hold for the Alastra Clan in the Elfholds. The Alastra's are one of the smaller clans in the Elfholds, beyond the main seven. It is the home of Andlin Alastra.

From Alastrad, the Sunflower swiftly flies further west and south until it reaches Shieldtree, the fortified Clan Hold for the Red Arrows. Arlen and Onas Brightsword depart here.

The Sunflower flies back up north and east until it reaches Ainsun, the Clan Hold for the Grunalfs. This is the home for Lilia and Laucian. The Sunflower lands on the river, much like the barge did many weeks ago when the elves made a similar trip from Karn's Keep to the Elfholds. The Sunflower moves as close to the docks as possible before dropping anchor.

All the elves are greeted by others of their clan as they arrive and many wish to hear what stories they have to tell. In some cases its been many years since you were last home.

[GM Mad]

The Lady Iris Rises

Kylie, Lia and Talen join Lord Sharadin and his daughters, along with Argent and the adventurers traveling with her to the Lady Iris. This is the ship that was captured during the earlier visit to Karn's Keep to warn Lord Sharadin of the danger of the HIVE. Unlike the Sunflower, the Lady Iris has a crew of Cynalonian Sailors on it. Serena directs those who wish to learn about the Spell Engines to accompany her to the below decks area. Argent corners Talen and he reveals what additional information he has learned about the Elders.

Serena's instructions are fairly well known to Kylie at this point, so no real new information is learned. After showing the basics, the Inquisitor of Mystra makes her way back up on deck. Much like the Sunflower each of the Lady Iris's Spell Engines are controlled by one operator. One the Engines controls the life support, while another movement.

The Lady Iris starts to rise up into the air and slowly turns in the direction of the Lost Valley. A seaman using a sextant helps verify the ships position. From having traveled on the Sunflower Kylie, Lia and Talen are accustomed to going up into the air and then accelerating forward. Karn's Keep is quickly far below and the giant sized castle looks normal sized form this high up.

But the Lady Iris rises higher and the higher it goes the faster it moves, but you don't seem to feel the movement on the ship. The land below grows more and more faint. Distant cities can soon be seen and eventually the entire continent lies below you. The Lady Iris is now above the few clouds in the sky and the ocean can be seen to the south.

And still the Lady Iris rises higher and faster. The land below grows smaller and smaller and you suddenly realize that your world, your home is spherical in shape. You can't help but stare in awe of the sight of your entire world below you.

“We have left the atmosphere,” Serena announces. The Lady Iris has ceased to rise, but at this point the world is so far below that you can't tell that you've come to a halt. The entire trip took about 45 minutes.

“Now we come to the really strange part of our voyage,” Serena continues, seemingly at ease in this very strange environment. “I will channel the Spell Engine to move the Lady Iris faster than the human eye can follow for a few seconds. Based on the maps and our calculations, this will move us over the Lost Valley. Then we simply lower ourselves back down.”

The Inquisitor directs the sole Spell Engine she controls to the task. The slaver ship suddenly accelerates at unimaginable velocities. The entire outside world suddenly turns into a gray blur and seems to lose all its color. The effect only lasts for a few heartbeats and then everything is normal again. However, you're in a different location over the globe. You're much farther to the south and west.

The navigator uses a sextant to determine the Lady Iris' position in relation to the world below. He confirms that the Lady Iris should be over the target area. With that confirmation, the mage controlling a different Spell Engine has the ship start to lower down into the atmosphere. The process is much like when you rose, only in reverse. It starts fast and gets slower as you get closer to the ground. A mountainous region lies below, with a large forest further to the north.

The lands around the Lost Valley start to become clear and Lia and Talen realize that they have come home. The large lake in the middle of the Lost Valley is the first thing that can be seen. Than comes the small forests that surround the lake. Finally, Lia and Talen can make out Byxata, their home village. At Lord Sharadin's direction, the Lady Iris ceases to descend and simply hangs in the sky above the Lost Valley.

“No need to get too close,” Lord Sharadin notes. “Lets not try to cause more panic than necessary.”

Turning towards Lia and Talen, Lord Sharadin adds, “Shall we visit your grandmother?”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

For the curious, Sherwood's arrival in the Frontier game takes place in post #191 which is much further along than what I had re-posted or recapped thus far.

For those going to the Elfholds, you may indulge yourself for the rest of the day. Meet family and old friends as you desire. Those who are going back with you to the Sylvan Realm to help against the slavers have already left their Clan Holds as the town of Desnae was the designated place where the Sunflower would pick them up tomorrow. Its the most central town in the Elfholds. So, for instance, the clan leader and skilled fighters for the Red Arrows would not be in the Clan Hold when Onas arrives there. They are already in Desnae ready to go on the mission against the slavers.

Myev and Lothtor stayed with the Sunflower and are in Ainsun along with Lilia. I wasn't sure if Laucian was returning to Ainsun or staying with Gweyr in Pinitel.

Lord Sharadin has the Lady Iris remaining high overhead, so that the human crew remain unaware of what is truly below them and to not unnecessarily scare those down in the valley. Lord Sharadin and his daughters will offer Fly spells to those who need them so they can safely reach the ground below.

Welcome back to the Lost Valley! It's only been 16 years (real time) since you were last here!

Now what?

[Talen]

Talen:

“Like most things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to it,” Sherwood will say. “As I understand it, you two would need to be announced as newly discovered members of the family. Some sort of ceremony at the family estate in Alexandria. There are signet rings for family identification.”

“I see,” Talen answers slowly, still trying to figure out if this is worth doing or not. “Perhaps someday I'll look into that further.”

And once Talen and Kylie are together, Sherwood adds, “It seems that congratulations are in order to both of you. You make a fine couple.”

"Thank you, Sherwood. Our relationship has grown slowly, but hopefully that means it will last."

Talen will just gratefully nod towards his cousin. Kylie has said what he feels far better than he could.

“I'm so happy for both of you!” Jallarzi says as she hugs both Kylie and Talen. “It's been far too long since we've had a wedding in the family!”

"Wha-? Wedding?!" Kylie exclaims. "That seems a bit premature, Jallarzi, considering that we've only kissed once or twice."

“Yeah...” Talen starts to object before Jallarzi cuts him off.

“It's never to soon to make wedding plans,” Jallarzi says excitedly. “Much to do, much to do!”

The twins come over to offer their own congratulations, giving both Talen and Kylie hugs.

"Don't worry about Jallarzi and her plans," the twins tell Kylie. "Jallarzi has been planning our weddings for years!"

“Oh, okay,” Talen says, a measure of realization coming to him. It seems that his cousin likes to plan these sort of parties. “I was worried there for a moment!”

Lord Sharadin soon follows. “Congratulations,” Lord Sharadin offers to the couple. “May you both find happiness in the years to come.”

“Thank you, uncle,” Talen responds.


Talen says his goodbyes to Sherwood and Jallarzi as they return to their individual tasks. From there, we make for the Lady Iris and the voyage to come. Once on the ship, Kylie follows that Priestess of Mystra down below decks. Argent corners me about what I know about the Elders. While I fill the Invoker in, the Lady Iris starts to rise up. Its not unexpected as the Sunflower has done it before. But instead of starting to go forward, the ship keeps going up!

“Is this normal?” Talen wonders with growing concern.

The ship keeps going up and up and the world below keeps getting smaller and smaller!

“We have left the atmosphere,” Serena announces. The Lady Iris has ceased to rise, but at this point the world is so far below that you can't tell that you've come to a halt. The entire trip took about 45 minutes.

“The what now?” Talen wonders in confusion.”

“Now we come to the really strange part of our voyage,” Serena continues, seemingly at ease in this very strange environment. “I will channel the Spell Engine to move the Lady Iris faster than the human eye can follow for a few seconds. Based on the maps and our calculations, this will move us over the Lost Valley. Then we simply lower ourselves back down.”

The Inquisitor directs the sole Spell Engine she controls to the task. The slaver ship suddenly accelerates at unimaginable velocities. The entire outside world suddenly turns gray and seems to lose all its color. The effect only lasts for a few heartbeats and then everything is normal again. However, you're in a different location over the globe. You're much farther to the south and west.

“What just happened?” Talen says, not sure he is believing what is transpiring.

The navigator uses a sextant to determine the Lady Iris' position in relation to the world below. He confirms that the Lady Iris should be over the target area. With that confirmation, the mage controlling a different Spell Engine has the ship start to lower down into the atmosphere. The process is much like when you rose, only in reverse. It starts fast and gets slower as you get closer to the ground. A mountainous region lies below, with a large forest further to the north.

The lands around the Lost Valley start to become clear and Lia and Talen realize that they have come home. The large lake in the middle of the Lost Valley is the first thing that can be seen. Than comes the small forests that surround the lake. Finally, Lia and Talen can make out Byxata, their home village. At Lord Sharadin's direction, the Lady Iris ceases to descend and simply hangs in the sky above the Lost Valley.

And then the process is reversed and the Lady Iris starts to go back down. But this time, Karn's Keep is not below us, but rather the Lost Valley!

“It's home!” Talen shouts in disbelieve. “But we were just over Karn's Keep! That's the lake in the middle of Lost Valley. Oh, there's the forests. Home should be over there against the mountain's edge.”

“No need to get too close,” Lord Sharadin notes. “Lets not try to cause more panic than necessary.”

Turning towards Lia and Talen, Lord Sharadin adds, “Shall we visit your grandmother?”

“Yes, please!” Talen says in giddy voice. “Follow me!”

With that, Talen runs in the direction of the village of Byxata and will leap over the railing, knowing that his Ring of Feather Falling will let him land safely down below.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

Myev is confused by the Argent who is not the same as her friend Argent. With Kylie translating, Argent explains as best she can and promises that Myev will see her friend again - and Myev seems pleased.

“Typically, new spells are created to fill a void or solve a particular problem,” Argent notes. “An advanced form of Light spell perhaps?”

Upon having a moment to themselves, Kylie and Argent turn to discussing magic, including the creation of new spells. "Probably, though it would have to have a purpose that needs filling. Perhaps some day I will find that purpose."

Kylie wonders aloud in what ways the various Argents are different or similar. Argent speaks of their shared history up to a point, and there where it diverges. "That is all true, my friend," Kylie replies. "But are your experiences the only differences? I was wondering more of personality; do you differ in that way as well, or are you truly identical? If there are differences, are they solely based on your experiences since the sundering, or did that event result in divergences itself? Perhaps one of you ended up with more of one facet of your personality, while another received more of a different facet. And will we ever truly know?"

“We'll see how it goes,” Sherwood says. “I've met a few of the Seekers before, so its not like I'm dropping in on a group of complete strangers. We'll meet again somewhere down the line. Probably when you least expect it.”

Kylie catches up with Sherwood, and they talk of many things. "I do hope so," Kylie says, giving him a fierce hug. "I will look forward to it, 'uncle'."


A later talk with Jallarzi turns quickly to talk of the rescued Argent. She is home in Crossroads, living with her parents. Jallarzi provides enough information for Kylie to be able to locate her. "Thank you, Jallarzi. For everything." There is little more to be said right now, so Kylie just watches as her mentor moves off to make her other preparations.


When news of their relationship gets out, many stop by to offer their congratulations, including Sherwood, Jallarzi, Sharadin, and the twins. Kylie and Talen both offer their thanks, if a bit uncomfortably at all this interest in their private life. Jallarzi's reaction is a bit extreme, but Sherry and Terry provide context.

"Don't worry about Jallarzi and her plans," the twins tell Kylie. "Jallarzi has been planning our weddings for years!"

“Oh, okay,” Talen says, a measure of realization coming to him. It seems that his cousin likes to plan these sort of parties. “I was worried there for a moment!”

Kylie snorts in sudden amusement. "Thank you for letting me-- us, know. It is a side of Jallarzi that I was not familiar with."

There are hugs and best wishes all around as the gathering disperses.

===

The Lady Iris is not greatly different from The Sunflower, and Kylie learns little new of the Spell Engines. She would like to learn of the Magi-Cannons some day as well, though that will have to wait for an opportunity to fly on a ship so equipped. Instead, she turns her attention to the actual flying of the ship. She watches and asks questions of the captain and crew regarding how they maneuver the ship by manipulating the sails and rigging, as well as the tiller itself. Perhaps there is yet something she can learn here.

The trip to the Lost Valley does not take long as they fly up out of the atmosphere, reposition, then descend, Kylie is somewhat familiar with this technique, though it is still thrilling to experience. Talen is surprised by the technique, and Serena explains it well to him and any others wondering similarly.

As they descend, then can see the area grow rapidly closer until they can make out significant landmarks. Kylie's mind drifts back to their previous visit, and she recalls the strange mix of peoples who call this place home. It had been a real eye-opening experience for her.

“It's home!” Talen shouts in disbelief. “But we were just over Karn's Keep! That's the lake in the middle of Lost Valley. Oh, there's the forests. Home should be over there against the mountain's edge.”

Kylie smiles happily at Talen's obvious excitement to return home. She is looking forward to seeing it through his eyes.

They stop at a significant altitude, and flight spells are offered to those who need them. Kylie turns to Talen, expecting him to need one, when he suddenly runs and dives over the railing! Alarmed, Kylie races after him and dives over as well, hoping to save him before he crashes into the ground. Her alarm turns to astonishment and then to laughter as she flashes by him as he gracefully floats downward. Adjusting accordingly, she descends alongside him. "Silly me, I had forgotten that I had given you that ring. While it was but days ago, it seems so long now."

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16 years... Wow. Weird to think it has been so long.

BTW, I couldn't recall if Kylie had actually experienced the up-and-down method before, or just heard about, so I tried to finesse the language as best I could.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“Among others,” Argent tells Onas. “And yes, she is a very good teacher, but an even better friend.”

Onas has the opportunity to meet another of the Argent women, all of whom are good friend of the Chosen, Kylie. "Then you are well blessed, as she is by such talented students," he says with a respectful nod.

There is much fuss over the newly-fledged relationship between Kylie and Talen. They seem a fine pair, so Onas raises a cup in their honor. "Blessings be upon you both."

===

The time comes and Onas joins most of the elves in boarding The Sunflower. He has ridden in the flying ship before, and does not expect this trip to be greatly different. The trip here was exhilarating due to Silvarn pushing it to incredible, eye-blurring speeds and he expects something more sedate in her absence. It is not long before he finds out how wrong he is.

The Sunflower sails up, higher and higher, until the world below begins to appear as a giant ball! Moments later, the ship rockets forward at incredible speed - possibly even faster than Silvarn had achieved - for a few seconds, and then stops. There are a few moments while Serena confirms their location, and then they begin to descend. Fortunately, she also provides explanations of the various stages of their trip, though much he does not understand and has to accept on faith.

It is not long before he can see the forests of Alfheim below them. Onas has never seen them from such a height, and at first cannot make out any recognizable details. Eventually, the towns, the daughter trees, and the various glades and dells become distinuishable.

The ship hops from clan hold to clan hold. The fourth is Shieldtree, his home. After thanking Serena for bring them safely home, he debarks the ship with his brother, Arlen. His first destination is to visit his parents' home where he grew up. The thought of seeing them again makes his heart feel light.

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Where in the Elfholds is the clergy of Angharradh based?

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 8th, CR 571 or Deepnight 30th, 20,519 AP

The elves are wrapping up their stay at Karn's Keep.

Kylie wonders aloud in what ways the various Argents are different or similar. Argent speaks of their shared history up to a point, and there where it diverges. "That is all true, my friend," Kylie replies. "But are your experiences the only differences? I was wondering more of personality; do you differ in that way as well, or are you truly identical? If there are differences, are they solely based on your experiences since the sundering, or did that event result in divergences itself? Perhaps one of you ended up with more of one facet of your personality, while another received more of a different facet. And will we ever truly know?"

“Hmmm,” Argent says deep in thought. “That is not something that I considered before. Lady Argent and myself seem very much the same person, no real differences apart from our different experiences. Its much harder to say about the one you found up north as she was badly hurt. I can't tell if it is from what she endured or being messed up by the Pillar Artifact. Or perhaps both. Time will tell on that, but it is something I will keep an eye on.”


Kylie and Talen's relationship has been made public. Congratulations are offered by many. Jallarzi goes overboard and starts to make wedding plans. The twins fill Kylie and Talen in about their distant cousins planning.

“Oh, okay,” Talen says, a measure of realization coming to him. It seems that his cousin likes to plan these sort of parties. “I was worried there for a moment!”

Kylie snorts in sudden amusement. "Thank you for letting me-- us, know. It is a side of Jallarzi that I was not familiar with."

“That is because you were her apprentice before,” the twins offer. “Now you are potentially family. That makes a difference.”

“Also, there is something else that you both need to be aware of proceeding forward,” the twins say in a quiet voice. “There is a family issue about preparing for the next generation. Basically, its because both Jallarzi and Sherwood are past the age when one is typically married and have children. Sherwood did try, of course, but we know how that turned out. We don't want to see you pressured into something that you are not ready for.”

[GM Mad]

Lady Iris and the Lost Valley:

The Lady Iris departs Karn's Keep and employs the 'Up and Down Method' to reach the Lost Valley in just 90 minutes. Flying directly there would have taken several days without the assistance of a dragon such as when Silvarn brought the Sunflower to Karn's Keep. Kylie is interested in the whole process as the voyage of the Lady Iris was much smoother than the trips on the Sunflower.

The Lady Iris is not greatly different from The Sunflower, and Kylie learns little new of the Spell Engines. She would like to learn of the Magi-Cannons some day as well, though that will have to wait for an opportunity to fly on a ship so equipped. Instead, she turns her attention to the actual flying of the ship. She watches and asks questions of the captain and crew regarding how they maneuver the ship by manipulating the sails and rigging, as well as the tiller itself. Perhaps there is yet something she can learn here.

The operation of the Magi-Cannons are not all that different from the regular Spell Engines. Its simply a Spell Engine with one specific task: it launches cannon shot at high velocities. Like other Spell Engine tasks, firing consumes magic stored within the Magi-Cannons. The cannon shot has to be loaded manually.

The sails, rudder and rigging function the same on an water traveling ship as they do on a flying ship. They aid in turning and maneuverability. The Sunflower for the most part was pointed in the direction that you wanted to go and then flown in that direction. Turns were possible, but they were very slow. Using the sails for turning makes the process faster. This was demonstrated by the HMS Dauntless when she entered the rift over the ruin Elder City and proceed to attack the giant bugs.


The Lady Iris hangs over the Lost Valley. Lord Sharadin didn't want to startle those below or those on the ship who are mostly unaware of who is down there. Fly spells are offered to those who need them, but instead Talen leaps over the railing. Kylie rushes after him only to discover Talen gently floating down to earth thanks to the Ring of Feather Falling he wears. The pair join hands and fly/float to the ground below. Lia is provided with a Fly spell and then she, Lord Sharadin and Terry and Sherry begin the trip down.

The new arrivals set down not far from the Village of Byxata, the place where Nightmist calls home. Kylie and Talen lead the way with the others following further behind. Lia takes the time to introduce the various inhabitants in Byxata to her uncle and cousins. Numerous goblins, orcs and even a few ogres are seen, but all are friendly.

As the group starts to reach the edge of town drow elves start to become more common. They all seem friendly and will wave to Talen. They are unsure what to make of Lia, as they do not recognize her since the change. The onlookers are merely curious.

A crowd starts to gather as the visitors reach Nightmist' hut. The inviting odor of food can be smelled as you get closer. Before you can reach the hut, Nightmist herself comes forth. She's an exotically beautiful dark elf with very long silvery hair. Her style of dress is almost peasant like and she has a broad smile on her face.

“Talen!” Nightmist calls out upon seeing her grandson. She moves closer and gives him a hug. “What brings you back to Lost Valley?”

“Hello, Kylie,” Nightmist says. “Did you find your mother?”

Lia steps forward and it takes a few moments for Nightmist to recognize her transformed granddaughter. “Lia?” Nightmist says questioningly. “What happened to you?”

Lord Sharadin and his daughters are introduced and Nightmist greets each personally. “Sherwood spoke of you when we talked,” Nightmist tells Lord Sharadin as she takes his hand. You're James son, are you not? Of course you are, the resemblance to your father is unmistakable.”

“That is correct,” Lord Sharadin answers. “I was a small child when my father disappeared. I really don't remember him at all. I was hoping that you could tell me more about him. We are also here for you advice and possible assistance. We are about to venture into the lair of the Cult of the Black Flame. Your aid in this matter would be invaluable.”

“Of course,” Nightmist replies easily. “It would be my pleasure.”

Turning to the twins, Nightmist adds, “Welcome to Lost Valley ladies.”

“Ma'am,” the twins respond with a curtsy.

“Come everyone,” Nightmist says aloud. “I was just making lunch and everyone is welcome. There is much to be shared.”

[GM Mad]

The Elfholds:

Up in the Elfholds, the elves have returned to their ancestral homes. Arlen and Onas Brightsword have arrived at Shieldtree, the Clan Hold for the Red Arrows. Onas makes his way to his parents home, while Arlen wants to look around a bit first. Elves passing on the street will greet Onas and ask where he has been. The streets of Shieldtree are not as crowded as usual, as those going back to the Sylvan Realm are gathering in Desnae.

Onas will finally make it to his parents home. Arlen arrives a little bit later.


GM Notes:

Onas is free to indulge when it comes to meeting his parents.

Now what?

[Lia]

Lia

“It's home!” Talen shouts in disbelieve. “But we were just over Karn's Keep! That's the lake in the middle of Lost Valley. Oh, there's the forests. Home should be over there against the mountain's edge.”

Lia walks up behind Talen as she hears him speak of the Lost Valley. “It’s been so long, I hope nothing has changed much!” she says as she looks over the ship’s edge and sees the forest, lakes and the mountains edge.

A blur of movement is seen out of the corner of her eye as she sees her brother jump past off the ship. She reaches out in vain as he falls then slowly begins to fall, Kylie flying out after him. “You really are an idiot sometimes, brother.” she calls down at him shaking her head.

She turns to her Uncle who offers her a fly spell. Lia nodding in agreement, “ I never have flown much. This should be interesting.”

A few moments Lia tries to get her bearings, her legs coming up above her head,her tunic coming down about her face. She soon gets the handle of it and flies down to the ground. She raises up her cowl as she looks about. Looking to Sharadin and the twins. “The people here are good. You must remember that, it can be a bit of a culture shock to outsiders.”

The new arrivals set down not far from the Village of Byxata, the place where Nightmist calls home. Kylie and Talen lead the way with the others following further behind. Lia takes the time to introduce the various inhabitants in Byxata to her uncle and cousins. Numerous goblins, orcs and even a few ogres are seen, but all are friendly.

Lia stops on occasion speaking to A few Orcs, Ithra and Nalof whom are tailors. “ Ithra and Nalor are the finest seamstresses in the valley. Moving on they find a exceptionally large ogre sitting on the ground, weaving a large basket. Finished versions sit about her. “Uokog, I see you have gotten much better. Have you seen Nightmist?” she asks the Ogre.

The familiar tapping of a forge is soon heard as she looks in that direction seeing a burly goblin pounding away at the forge, “Epheltea!” She calls out to the smith, as she raises a hand in greeting. “ She was just an apprentice when we left.” she explains to the others. Lia can’t help but feel a little ill at ease as those she was raised with look at her uneasy and unsure of her.
“ Guess that was to be expected.” she says more to herself then anyone as she pulls her cowl lower about her face, hiding her violet eyes from view. The foot falls about her grow as the people of the Lost Valley come out.

A crowd starts to gather as the visitors reach Nightmist' hut. The inviting odor of food can be smelled as you get closer. Before you can reach the hut, Nightmist herself comes forth. She's an exotically beautiful dark elf with very long silvery hair. Her style of dress is almost peasant like and she has a broad smile on her face.

The smell of her childhood home comes to her nose and she stops. The smell of homemade bread and Nightmist’s cooking come to her nose. A few tears begin to run down about her cheek as she realizes just how much she has missed home.

The glowing smile of her grandmother comes out of a hut and sees Talen and greets him warmly and then to Kylie.

Taking a deep breath, Lia takes a step forward and drops her cowl. Her Violet eyes take in her grandmothers.

“Hi Gran, your cooking always was the only way to get me home.” she says sheepishly though with a slight smile.

Lia steps forward and it takes a few moments for Nightmist to recognize her transformed granddaughter. “Lia?” Nightmist says questioningly. “What happened to you?”

Lia takes an unconscious step back as Nightmist looks at her questioningly, then steels herself and steps forward once again. “I met Eilistraee. I heard her words, seen her dance.” and her tears begin to flow as she is caught up in the memory, as beautiful as she was. “I ask to be one of her children, to live as you did.” she says softly almost as a whisper, “To honor you and our patron. I am still the person you know, raised and loved, just different.”

Lia will move forward, hoping to embrace her grandmother in a hug.

After hugging her, Lia looks into her eyes and smiles. “We have guests, May I introduce you to Lord Sharadin and his daughters, Sheri and Teri.”


“Come everyone,” Nightmist says aloud. “I was just making lunch and everyone is welcome. There is much to be shared.”

Lia will linger behind everyone and be the last to enter.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“But you're an elf,” Gweyr softly counters. “Like all elves, your clan IS your family. While your birth parents were not around there were others who filled those roles. I've seen you spend time with that one Clan Elder. What was his name? Treelife? You two very much have a father and son relationship.”

“Well, that would be why I always looked at Lilia like a sister.” he surmised.” He has been a mentor of mine for sometime. He very much has been a friend, advisor and father figure.

“You are not the only one who feels that way,” Gweyr adds. “It is a new start for many of us. I'll be glad to be back there once these troubles have faded. I too am starting new there and will have many things to do in my new home.”

“Let us hope there will be time to relax. Sadly life sometime seems to have it’s own plans for us. Or perhaps it is the gods. I trust you will be staying with your clan?”

“Not to worry,” Gweyr says with a laugh. “Its more for show than for anything. Something to frighten the unknowing.”

“Still I’d rather not tempt fate and be burned.” he says jokingly.

Laucian stays inside briefly then comes up to the deck and stretches and looks about as the ship begins to slow and descend to the ground.Valena gets off at Feadil and Laucian waves goodbye. “See you soon.” he calls out as she walks away.

Next is Pinitel and Gweyr begins to gather her things. Laucian meets her at the gang plank and says, “ While I wouldnt mind seeing your ancestral home, I have something I wish to see to in Ainsun. Perhaps you can show me another time.” he asks as he takes her hand. As he says goodbye, he will give her a kiss goodbye.

Coming to Anisun, Laucian takes his belongings and walks into Anisun. His quiver and bow are strung over his shoulder as he walks down the gangplank. He looks about as he hasnt stepped foot into his clans home in sometime. He will look to find a fletcher and buy enough arrows to fill his quiver and some Elfin food.

Laucian will then seek out transportation to his temple of Ehlonna.

[Talen]

Talen:

“Also, there is something else that you both need to be aware of proceeding forward,” the twins say in a quiet voice. “There is a family issue about preparing for the next generation. Basically, its because both Jallarzi and Sherwood are past the age when one is typically married and have children. Sherwood did try, of course, but we know how that turned out. We don't want to see you pressured into something that you are not ready for.”

Talen lets out a sigh after hearing what his cousins have to tell him. It seems that there is much more to the family than he ever suspected.

“Thank you for the insight, cousins,” Talen tells the twins. “But we have no intention of rushing into anything. We have a long time to figure out things like that.”


The Lady Iris brings us back to the Lost Valley, Lia and Talen's home.

Lia walks up behind Talen as she hears him speak of the Lost Valley. “It’s been so long, I hope nothing has changed much!” she says as she looks over the ship’s edge and sees the forest, lakes and the mountains edge.

“It hasn't been that long,” Talen counters to his sister. “It just seems like its been forever. It all looks the same as when we left.”


The ship hovers overhead, but Talen is so eager to return home that he just leaps over the railing! And then floats downward with the Ring of Feather Falling he wears.

A blur of movement is seen out of the corner of her eye as she sees her brother jump past off the ship. She reaches out in vain as he falls then slowly begins to fall, Kylie flying out after him. “You really are an idiot sometimes, brother.” she calls down at him shaking her head.

“You would have done the same if you could,” Talen tells Lia with a laugh as he glances back to her. “See you below!”

They stop at a significant altitude, and flight spells are offered to those who need them. Kylie turns to Talen, expecting him to need one, when he suddenly runs and dives over the railing! Alarmed, Kylie races after him and dives over as well, hoping to save him before he crashes into the ground. Her alarm turns to astonishment and then to laughter as she flashes by him as he gracefully floats downward. Adjusting accordingly, she descends alongside him. "Silly me, I had forgotten that I had given you that ring. While it was but days ago, it seems so long now."

“Handy to have,” Talen agrees about the ring. “Especially when you have a girlfriend who can fly!”

Talen reaches out and takes Kylie's hand as they fly/float down to the Lost Valley. He can't help but laugh as the sheer joy he is feeling.

We land on the edge of the simply village that Talen calls home. He and Kylie lead the way with Lia, Uncle Sharadin and the twins bringing up the rear. Talen will wave to those who wave at him, but since Kylie was here before doesn't point out things like his sister does.

A crowd starts to gather as the visitors reach Nightmist' hut. The inviting odor of food can be smelled as you get closer. Before you can reach the hut, Nightmist herself comes forth. She's an exotically beautiful dark elf with very long silvery hair. Her style of dress is almost peasant like and she has a broad smile on her face.

“Talen!” Nightmist calls out upon seeing her grandson. She moves closer and gives him a hug. “What brings you back to Lost Valley?”

“Grandma!” Talen says as he tightly hugs his grandmother. “We have returned with other members of our human family. They wanted to meet you.”

Talen watches with great interest as his grandmother sees his sisters transformation. Our guests are introduced and Talen silently watches their interactions. Lord Sharadin states the additional reason why he is here. While they converse, it hits Talen just how old his Uncle Sharadin is. If he was born before Talen and Lia's mother, than he must be at least fifty years old! Young for an elf and even a half-elf, but old for a human. It does somewhat explain what his cousins were warning he and Kylie about. The pressure to have offspring for the next generation. It's a sobering thought.

Grandmother invites us into her home. Talen, still holding on to Kylie's hand is among the first into the hut. He'll help hand out the food while saving some for himself. At last, no elfin food in sight! Talen is content to listen to his family meet each other for the first time.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

As they are talking at breakfast in Karn's Keep, Kylie and Argent ponder the nature of the duplicates' experiences and personalities. Argent says that they may not know the truth for some time to come. "That seems likely," Kylie acknowledges. "If I can help in any way, please let me know."


Sherri and Terry provide Talen and Kylie with some interesting insight into Sculley / Salavarian family dynamics.

“Thank you for the insight, cousins,” Talen tells the twins. “But we have no intention of rushing into anything. We have a long time to figure out things like that.”

Kylie purses her lips in thought. "Ah, sounds like there are going to be a lot of pressures and expectations on all of us." A soft sigh escapes her lips. "Again, thank you for filling us in."

===

Between observation and questioning the crew, Kylie manages to learn a little bit about ship sails and rigging, and how they are used to turn and maneuver the boat. Though this is a flying ship, the principles are apparently very similar to those that travel on water. This may prove to be useful knowledge some day, and she makes a mental note to continue learning where she can.

“Handy to have,” Talen agrees about the ring. “Especially when you have a girlfriend who can fly!”

"You've got me there," Kylie admits with a smile as they descend.

Hand in hand, Kylie and Talen settle to the ground below the Lady Iris not far from his home village. Kylie will let him take the lead, as this is his home and family. As they approach Byxata, some people wave in recognition or offer greeting. Nightmist herself steps out to welcome them as they near her hut.

“Hello, Kylie,” Nightmist says. “Did you find your mother?”

"Yes, ma'am, I did," Kylie replies with a kurtsy, still astounded at how young Talen's grandmother looks. "Thank you for asking."

Nightmist greets the rest of the group and invites them inside for lunch. It has been a relaxing trip, so she isn't particularly hungry, though Kylie will join the meal so as not to offend their hostess. It proves to be an interesting mix of foods, not specifically human or elven, but rather foods from a variety of cultures reflecting the residents here. Not all of it is appealing to her, but Kylie finds plenty to sate what appetite she has and even tries a few new dishes.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

With Lothtor's help in the same way that Silvarn had before, the short trip to the Elfholds is even faster than the trip from the Sylvan Realm. It is still early in the day when Onas and his brother debark in Shieldtree. While to him it seems but days since he was last here, Onas knows that it has actually been a number of years since he departed with the company to try to reach the Sylvan Realm via the Rainbow Bridge. Even then, he had only visited them briefly after returning from the main temple of Angharradh to prepare for this new mission.

Thus, his first destination is home, and a long-overdue meeting with his parents. Approaching their home, he finds his father, Naloren, sitting on a low branch playing a lute and singing. Onas pauses a moment just out of sight to listen as his father always had a beautiful voice. Memories from his childhood float back into view, coaxed by the familiar melodies and harmonies, and a smile spreads across his face.

After several minutes of listening and musing, Onas emerges into view. "Hello, Father," he says in the respectful tone he was taught. "Your music is as lovely as I remember it."

Naloren drops easily to the ground, smiling. "Onas! Wonderful to see you, son." From his tone, it might have only been a few weeks that he'd been gone rather than a decade. "I hear that the Rainbow Bridge is finally open and many families are migrating north to reestablish our homeland."

"Yes, Father, more than a thousand people are now living there. We were able to regain all of the major clan homes, including Walltree. The humans who had encamped there tried to resist, but we drove them out after a short battle."

Naloren grins and claps him on the shoulder. "You'll have to walk me through the details of the battle later, but first you should check in with your mother; I think you'll find her in the training yard."

"Practicing as always, eh, Father?" Onas chuckles. His mother, Aerenaiadh, was a renowned spearwoman, and she constantly drilled to keep her skills sharp. As he turns to go find her, Naloren leaps back up onto the branch and returns to the song as thought not having missed a note.

The training yard is actually a platform in the branches more than 20 feet above the ground. Onas can hear his mother grunting and shouting long before he can see her, though he knows well the deadly beauty of her art. Stepping just to the edge of the platform (mostly) out of reach of her spear, he waits for her to complete her forms and respond to his presence.

Reaching the end of her weapon-dance, Aerenaiadh places her hand-carved spear in the rack and then turns to her son. "It is so good to see you again, Onas!" The sweat dripping from her forehead fails to hide the joy in her eyes and smile.

"And you, Mother," Onas says, stepping forward and placing a kiss on her cheek. "Having been trapped in the Rainbow Bridge, it seems but days to me, but in truth it has been years since I've had the pleasure of your company."

Aerenaiadh leads him inside to a comfortable nook. "Let me grab some Feywine, and then we can share our news." Onas takes a seat and his mother soon returns with a bottle and a platter of fruits, nuts, and cheeses. It is not long before Arlen and later Naloren join them, and they all talk of many things as families do.

____________________________________________________________________
I tried to get some sense of elven family life as it might differ from human families. Also, I made up names for his mom and dad; if they had been previously named, please feel free to edit the post.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 8th, CR 571 or Deepnight 30th, 20,519 AP

After many weeks away, The Chosen have returned to their homes. Some in the lush forest of the Elfholds, for others it is the hidden Lost Valley. The Lady Iris hangs over the Lost Valley while those going down use magic to reach the ground.

She turns to her Uncle who offers her a fly spell. Lia nodding in agreement, “ I never have flown much. This should be interesting.”

“Think of it like swimming, just in the air,” Sherry and Terry offer trying to help.

A few moments Lia tries to get her bearings, her legs coming up above her head,her tunic coming down about her face. She soon gets the handle of it and flies down to the ground. She raises up her cowl as she looks about. Looking to Sharadin and the twins. “The people here are good. You must remember that, it can be a bit of a culture shock to outsiders.”

“Sherwood briefed me on this place,” Lord Sharadin assures Lia. “We know what lies ahead. We will not cause any problems.”

Lia stops on occasion speaking to A few Orcs, Ithra and Nalof whom are tailors. “ Ithra and Nalor are the finest seamstresses in the valley. Moving on they find a exceptionally large ogre sitting on the ground, weaving a large basket. Finished versions sit about her. “Uokog, I see you have gotten much better. Have you seen Nightmist?” she asks the Ogre.

Uokog grunts her appreciation for the complement. “Cooking?” the ogre offers. Given the time of day, its not unreasonable for Nightmist to be working on lunch.

The familiar tapping of a forge is soon heard as she looks in that direction seeing a burly goblin pounding away at the forge, “Epheltea!” She calls out to the smith, as she raises a hand in greeting. “ She was just an apprentice when we left.” she explains to the others. Lia can’t help but feel a little ill at ease as those she was raised with look at her uneasy and unsure of her.

“Guess that was to be expected.” she says more to herself then anyone as she pulls her cowl lower about her face, hiding her violet eyes from view. The foot falls about her grow as the people of the Lost Valley come out.

“It all seems so normal,” the twins remark as they walk along. “Much like any other village.”

The crowd grows as the new arrivals reach Nightmist's hut. Not long after that Nightmist herself comes out. She's average height for an elf, but has extraordinarily long hair that reaches her ankles. Not far away is Sabal, another female drow who is a longtime friend to Nightmist. While Nightmist is very outgoing, Sabal is much more reserved. While not a blood relation, Sabal is treated as part of the family. She is simply content to watch the proceedings unfold.

“Grandma!” Talen says as he tightly hugs his grandmother. “We have returned with other members of our human family. They wanted to meet you.”

“I look forward to meeting them,” Nightmist says with a smile.

After greeting Talen, Nightmist speaks to Kylie next and asks if she found her missing mother.

"Yes, ma'am, I did," Kylie replies with a curtsy, still astounded at how young Talen's grandmother looks. "Thank you for asking."

“That's wonderful!” Nightmist tells Kylie. “I am so happy for you.”

The glowing smile of her grandmother comes out of a hut and sees Talen and greets him warmly and then to Kylie. Taking a deep breath, Lia takes a step forward and drops her cowl. Her Violet eyes take in her grandmothers.

“Hi Gran, your cooking always was the only way to get me home.” she says sheepishly though with a slight smile.

Lia steps forward and it takes a few moments for Nightmist to recognize her transformed granddaughter. “Lia?” Nightmist says questioningly. “What happened to you?”

Lia takes an unconscious step back as Nightmist looks at her questioningly, then steels herself and steps forward once again. “I met Eilistraee. I heard her words, seen her dance.” and her tears begin to flow as she is caught up in the memory, as beautiful as she was. “I ask to be one of her children, to live as you did.” she says softly almost as a whisper, “To honor you and our patron. I am still the person you know, raised and loved, just different.”

Lia will move forward, hoping to embrace her grandmother in a hug.

“Oh, Lia, that's amazing!” Nightmist says as she hugs her granddaughter. “We had hoped for you to have an easier life that we had, but it seems that you and the Lady of the Dance had other ideas. I am so proud of you!”


Stories are shared over a light lunch and Nightmist is brought up to date on Lia and Talen's mission to the Sylvan Realm. Nightmist is overjoyed that the Mother Tree has been saved by her grand children.

“I never imagined when I first started my journey to the surface world, that my family would have such a huge impact on Elfin culture,” Nightmist says. “It's so humbling!”

Lia tells of her experience on discovering the Shrine of Eilistraee below the Elfin Palace and of the Darksong Knights.

“Now that is a name I have not heard of in a very long time,” Nightmist states. “I had heard whispers of them in the Underdark, but they were very far away and beyond my ability to reach. The Dark Maiden clearly has plans for you Lia. She helped guide you to the Sylvan Realm and to her forgotten shrine. It seems to me that she wishes you to restore the shrine and bring new life to the Darksong Knights.”

“I can provide you with some help with that task,” Nightmist continues. “A few of the faithful were being drawn to another place to continue their service but did not know where. But now we know where they are going. They are going with you back to the Sylvan Realm to help restore the Ladies Shrine.”

Runners are sent out and soon a trio of drow arrive in response. Two are female, one male. All three are known to Lia and Talen from their time in the Lost Valley. Viconia is a Priestess of Eilistraee in training. She is to be Lia's assistant. The other female is not a Priestess of Eilistraee, but rather one who follows her teachings. On the surface she goes by the name of Janice and her best talents are as a sorceress. Last but not least the male drow also follows Eilistraee and is a warrior by training. His name is Balok and he'll be the shrine guardian.


Lord Sharadin explains his additional reason for coming to the Lost Valley. He and his associates are going to Baltron's Beacon, the stronghold of the Cult of the Blackflame. Fifty-six years ago, Nightmist along with the Swords of Cynalon raided the beacon and rescued the baby Crown Prince. His older sister was not found. Lord Sharadin would like to Nightmist to join his expedition to offer her expertise as she was there before.

Nightmist accepts and after lunch goes to her private chambers to retrieve her adventuring gear. While Lia and Talen have seem some of their grandmother's equipment, they have never seen all of it at once. Nightmist wears elfin chain mail under her clothes and carries a pair of short swords. While Nightmist does have a magic item that allows her to appear as a surface elf, she does not bother to make use of it today.

“Its been many years since I last left the Lost Valley,” Nightmist remarks. “This should be fun! How are we traveling to the stronghold of the cult?”

[GM Mad]

Many miles to the north, the Sunflower reaches the Elfholds and begins to drop off its passengers at their Clan Homes. Valena is first, followed by Gweyr. Along the way Laucian and Gweyr speak.

“Well, that would be why I always looked at Lilia like a sister.” he surmised.” He has been a mentor of mine for sometime. He very much has been a friend, adviser and father figure.”

“Than it is a good thing that he traveled to the Sylvan Realm,” Gweyr notes. “He'll be closer to you. Both of you.”

“Let us hope there will be time to relax. Sadly life sometime seems to have it’s own plans for us. Or perhaps it is the gods. I trust you will be staying with your clan?”

“Yes, in Pinit,” Gweyr confirms. “Just across the river from the Elfin Palace. I've already picked out a place for myself there. Oh, we have a treant in the center of town! He spoke to us briefly. It was amazing. There were elfin cats as well, including one who could talk. A cooshee befriended me as well. I named her Blaze.”

Next is Pinitel and Gweyr begins to gather her things. Laucian meets her at the gang plank and says, “ While I wouldn't mind seeing your ancestral home, I have something I wish to see to in Ainsun. Perhaps you can show me another time.” he asks as he takes her hand. As he says goodbye, he will give her a kiss goodbye.

“Of course,” Gweyr easily says. “I understand. I'll see you tomorrow.”


The Sunflower continues on its way across the Elfholds. More elves are dropped off along the way until the flying ship reaches its final destination of Ainsun. Each will be approached by other elves with what news they have. Most have heard the stories told them in recent days, but to here them from one who was there is a better source of information.

In Shieldtree, Onas meets up with his parents at their home. Arlen arrives not long after and is reunited with his parents. After a time talk turns to what transpired up north. What happened to Chandra was a shock to most in Shieldtree. Clan Master Redsword Truetalker filled everyone in on the news from the Sylvan Realm. But they are interested in what happened after the Clan Master had returned.

“We heard that Argus Bloodmoon became the Clan Master in the Sylvan Realm,” Naloren states. “That was a surprise as everyone assumed it would be Chandra.”

“Have you seen Walltree?” Aerenaiadh inquires. “I've only heard stories of our ancient Clan Hold. Does it still stand?”


Once in Ainsun, Laucian quickly goes off on his own. The Clan open market is close by and Laucian picks up spare arrows and some food. The goods are freely available to all in the clan, so there is not cost to the goods.

A small stable sits on the edge of town. Laucian has used it to stable his mount here before. A few horses are kept for those rare times an elf is in a hurry. After a short ride, Laucian arrives at the Temple of Ehlonna on the shores of Black Lake. This was the closest thing Laucian had to a home.

Familar faces are greeted and old friendships renewed. Ielenia is quickly found, one of Laucian's female instructors. Ivellios present this time as well. Both are eager for news about the Sylvan Realm and of Ehlonna's Shrine up there.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

It was my intention to make faster updates to the Lost Valley portion of the posts since more information needed to be covered there than the return to the Elfholds. Alas real life had other ideas. So I ended up covering a lot of ground here to help push things along.

I tried to get some sense of elven family life as it might differ from human families. Also, I made up names for his mom and dad; if they had been previously named, please feel free to edit the post.

I do not recall if Onas' parents were mentioned before, so the names are fine. Elfin families are very different from typical families. Since the children is raised by their clan, that have numerous authority figures in their lives. Some build stronger bonds with Clan Elders than their own parents. Lilia is such an elf as, much like Laucian, she considers Elder Treelife to be her father figure. As far as Lilia's real parents, she's only ever confirmed that they are still alive and nothing else. Likewise, Valena never mentioned any of her family before.

Individual elves can vary of course. This is simply a broad interpretation. But there are those elves who are intrigued by the idea of raising their own children under their supervision like the humans do. These elves often have half-elven children.

Oh and yes, Janice is that Janice from Operation: Graystone. Her connection to Eilistraee might make her past actions make more sense now. But OG was not the first time I used Janice before. She originally appeared in Borderlands 2 as a companion to a different drow PC. So she's been around for a while now.

Now what?

[Talen]

Talen:

After being away for what seems a very long time, Talen has returned home to the Lost Valley. Grandma is located and introduced to more of Talen's human family. Lia shares her news about her transformation. As he expected Grandma is happy for his sister.

“I have some news as well,” Talen offers when he feels the time is right. “I've had some changes too. None as dramatic as Lia's here, but I am also not the same. While Lia choose to honor you and become a drow, I only took their abilities to replace my half-elven ones.”

“But there is more than that,” Talen continues. “We found the ruins of an Elder city to the north of the Sylvan Realm. Something in the city called to me and I was drawn to it. It was a teacher and it taught me how to control Elder devices such as the Pillar Artifacts. I can control travel through their networks now. Unfortunately, there are no such artifacts around here, so we do not have a quick way home. I feel that it is my responsibility to make sure the artifacts of the Elders are used safely and to not harm others. As such, I'll be returning to the Sylvan Realm to better carry out this role.”

“And I saved the best for last,” Talen concludes as he gestures for Kylie to come closer. “Kylie is my girlfriend. We just started to see each other and don't have any grand plans at this time. Maybe someday we'll settle down and start a family. We'll see what happens.”


After eating and helping to clean up, Talen will gesture to Kylie to follow him. Uncle Sharadin and Grandma are talking and none of it really involves Talen. Talen heads down the hallway off from the kitchen and away from the crowd.

“This was our home for all my life,” Talen says as he walks along. “Until we left Lost Valley I never realized what a simple life we had led here. We didn't have much, but we never went with out either and we felt loved by all. If we do stay together and if we should have children, than I want to them to have a better childhood that either of us had. I think we are in a position to do that for them.”

Talen reaches the door to the room that he shared with his sister. It's not much to look at. Two small beds on either side of the room and several chests to store the few belongings they had.

“I outgrew my bed,” Talen says with a laugh. “We had to build an extension on it or I had to sleep curled up in a ball. It all seems so long ago.”

Talen lets out a sigh and then leads Kylie up to a framed picture on the wall. The frame holds a pencil draw of high quality. It shows a dark-skinned elf with a fairer skinned human. Both are smiling and appear very happy.

“Mom and dad were killed when Lia and I were very young,” Talen says emotion thick in his voice. “I really don't remember much about them. All we had to go on was this. It's a portrait of them made by Kalamyr, a very talented artist, when they were married. It's really all that I remember of mom and dad. But at least they seem happy together.”


Later on, we learn that Lia will not be returning alone to the Sylvan Realm. Several other drow are accompanying her on the trip to help fortify the Eilistraee shrine. Talen knows them from growing up here. Viconia is one of the trainee's at the temple. It seems that she'll be assisting Lia at the Shrine. Balok is one of the few male drow here in the Lost Valley and a skilled warrior. Much of Talen's weapon training came from Balok. Lastly, there is Janice. Talen spent a lot of time with her over the years as she was his primary instructor in magic.

“It will be good to have friends along,” Talen says. “I'm sure that you'll find the Sylvan Realm to be a wonderful place.”

It seems that Grandma is going to be traveling with Uncle Sharadin! Talen doesn't even remember Grandma traveling like this before, at least not in his life. Getting her out into the world can only be a good thing. Talen almost regrets not going with them on their mission.

“Its been many years since I last left the Lost Valley,” Nightmist remarks. “This should be fun! How are we traveling to the stronghold of the cult?”

“Oh, you're going to be traveling in style, Grandma!” Talen calls out. “By flying ship!”

[Lia]

Lia

“Think of it like swimming, just in the air,” Sherry and Terry offer trying to help.

“ I guess this would be a bad time to say, I’m not that good at swimming.” she adds sheepishly as she takes to the air awkwardly.

“Sherwood briefed me on this place,” Lord Sharadin assures Lia. “We know what lies ahead. We will not cause any problems.”

“Oh, Im not worried that you will. It is just a culture shock of sorts for those who aren’t used to it.”

Uokog grunts her appreciation for the complement. “Cooking?” the ogre offers. Given the time of day, its not unreasonable for Nightmist to be working on lunch.

“ She always had a way with words.” she says as she looks back at the twins and her Uncle.

“Oh, Lia, that's amazing!” Nightmist says as she hugs her granddaughter. “We had hoped for you to have an easier life that we had, but it seems that you and the Lady of the Dance had other ideas. I am so proud of you!”

“I knew my life was going to be different when we left here. This,” she says as she looks to her hands,” was far from expected!” Returning her hug, Lia takes a moment to smell her grandmother thankful for the embrace.

Now that is a name I have not heard of in a very long time,” Nightmist states. “I had heard whispers of them in the Underdark, but they were very far away and beyond my ability to reach. The Dark Maiden clearly has plans for you Lia. She helped guide you to the Sylvan Realm and to her forgotten shrine. It seems to me that she wishes you to restore the shrine and bring new life to the Darksong Knights.”

“I can provide you with some help with that task,” Nightmist continues. “A few of the faithful were being drawn to another place to continue their service but did not know where. But now we know where they are going. They are going with you back to the Sylvan Realm to help restore the Ladies Shrine.”

“In truth, I only know so much of them. Mostly that they protected the elves from the Drow and other threats from below. If the Dark Maiden wishes her shrine to be reborn, then it be as she wishes.” she says sternly and evenly. “The Faithful?” she asks as word is soon sent out. “ and realization hit her.” The other followers of Eilistraee?”

It is then that Lia tells her grandmother of the altercation with the surface elf. “ After the chosen freed the elves and I received my boon. We were hunting Orcs and driving them from the realm. As we did so, An elf called out, I still recall his words, filled of hate and rage. ““In the name of the Black Archer, die drow witch!” as she shudders from the memory. “I subdued him and showed him mercy.The next time, I will show them my blade.” As she unclasps her sword belt and leans slightly upon it still sitting. “ The others must know what they may face.”

The runners return as do some new faces. Balok a male drow, Viconia a fellow priestess and another Janice, a sorcerer of some renown. Lia greets them all in turn with a smile and offers her hand in greeting. “It is a pleasure to meet you again. It will be good to have more friends and followers of Eilistraee within the Sylvan realm.”

“ I will warn you this.” she says simply, “ Not all the elves will view us kindly, some with hostility. Be mindful of this when we leave here.

Lia smiles as she sees her grandmother in full adventuring gear. “I feel sorry for them already.” she jokes seriously.

[Laucian]

Laucian

The ship begins to lower and descends within Anisun, Laucian goes to the edge of railing and smiles. “It is good to be home.” he says as he sees many elves walking forward.

“Good day Clansmen!” Laucian calls out as he walks down the gangplank. Laucian exchanges greetings and and answers questions that are put forth to him. He tells them that their ancestral home is reclaimed from that of spiders.

Laucian then makes his way to the market stalls and picks up arrows. Nodding to the bowyer merchant, “Thank you, I have been running a little low.” even though free, Laucian still tips 5 gold, “For the clan.” Moving on Laucian spots some food markets and ‘buys’ some fruit and nuts as well as dry rations.

Once satisfied, Laucian sets off for passage to the Black Lake. A short ride away the Temple of Ehlonna comes into view, the Black lake behind the light shining off it’s surface.

For a long moment, He stares at the Lake, then to the Temple and out buildings. Taking a deep breath he dismounts and walks forward, his right hand leading the horse forward.

Familar faces are greeted and old friendships renewed. Ielenia is quickly found, one of Laucian's female instructors. Ivellios present this time as well. Both are eager for news about the Sylvan Realm and of Ehlonna's Shrine up there.

Seeing several of his fellow priests, Laucian greets them all kindly. Spotting Ielenia, Laucian raises his hand in greeting, “ Good Day Forest sister. It has been some time. I have news for you and Ivellios.”

Once all together, Laucian tells them of his travels and achievements, “There have been much happenings since we last spoke. The Slyvian realm has been reclaimed, the rainbow bridge and those trapped within have been freed. Each of our ancestral homes have been restored to their former glory.”

And most importantly, a forgotten shrine to Ehlonna has been found. A great Forest Lord and his family protected it in our priests absence. Many of our followers went to shrine and renewed it’s blessings, It’s alter replenished.”

“There is other news. When we found the flying ship. It’s owners are coming to reclaim it. Sadly these owners are slavers. Slavers of Elves. We aim to show them the error of their ways with assistance of our allies.”

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“It all seems so normal,” the twins remark as they walk along. “Much like any other village.”

Kylie overhears the remark as they move through the village. "Yeah, it really is, though perhaps not everyone would see it that way."

“That's wonderful!” Nightmist tells Kylie. “I am so happy for you.”

"Meeting my mother again after so long has been an amazing and rewarding an experience," Kylie says with a smile. "She's quite a woman."

Talen tells his grandmother of his experiences and the changes they have wrought in him. Kylie listens quietly, nodding as he talks about the Elder teaching stone.

“And I saved the best for last,” Talen concludes as he gestures for Kylie to come closer. “Kylie is my girlfriend. We just started to see each other and don't have any grand plans at this time. Maybe someday we'll settle down and start a family. We'll see what happens.”

Talen's bold statements on this personal subject cause Kylie to blush. She lays a hand on his back to feel the connection and hide her embarrassment. Intellectually, she understands why it was a big deal for Jallarzi, but she still feels uncomfortable treating this fledgling relationship as being important and so very public.

“This was our home for all my life,” Talen says as he walks along. “Until we left Lost Valley I never realized what a simple life we had led here. We didn't have much, but we never went with out either and we felt loved by all. If we do stay together and if we should have children, than I want to them to have a better childhood that either of us had. I think we are in a position to do that for them.”

Meanwhile, Talen shows Kylie around Nightmist's home, including the room in which he lived while growing up. When he mentions children, Kylie pauses and takes his hand, looking into his eyes as though trying to read his thoughts. "At this point, I don't really know how I feel about children. I guess I assumed I might have some someday, and I would certainly want the best for them if I did, but it's all kind of nebulous or theoretical for me now. Talen, I hope you can be patient with me while I figure out what I really want."

“Mom and dad were killed when Lia and I were very young,” Talen says emotion thick in his voice. “I really don't remember much about them. All we had to go on was this. It's a portrait of them made by Kalamyr, a very talented artist, when they were married. It's really all that I remember of mom and dad. But at least they seem happy together.”

Kylie looks at the painting as Talen talks about what little he knows of his parents. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Talen. They do look happy together, and I'm sure they loved you and Lia very much. I think they would be very proud of you both if they were still here."

Lia tells of her experience with the shrine of Eilistraee, and Nightmist announces that a few others will be joining them to help care for the shrine. Not long after, 3 other dark elves arrive and are introduced. Kylie has never been around so many drow at one time; clearly not all reflect their reputation. Lia also tells her grandmother of the prejudices that she experienced from other elves. Kylie suspects that Nightmist is no stranger to such reactions.

After learning of Sharadin's mission, Nightmist agrees to join and fetches her adventuring gear. She asks how they will travel so far, and Talen exclaims that they will be traveling on a flying ship. Kylie smiles at his exhuberance while watching for Nightmist's reaction.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

Morning comes and Onas is awakened by a squirrel noisily eating a nut on the window sill above his bed. Cracking an eye open and looking up at the chomping beast, he smiles and says, "Good morning, little one." The squirrel glares indignantly at him, apparently irritated by the rude interruption of its morning meal, then scampers off. "My apologies," Onas calls after the rodent, chuckling.

Rising, Onas tosses on a light robe and breaks his fast with fruit, vegetables and nuts. A series of paths leads him through Shieldtree to the local shrine dedicated to Corellon and Angharradh. The holy couple share a shrine here, though each has their own separate areas within. Angharradh's shrine is separated into four areas, shaped like a clover leaf. The largest is reserved for worship of the Triune Goddess herself. The other three areas honor her secondary aspects: Aerdrie Faenya, Hanali Celanil, and Sehanine Moonbow. Onas stops at each one in turn, providing small offerings and prayers as he goes.

Upon reaching the primary altar, Onas settles in and performs a full set of rites. As he nears the end, he notes a familiar figure watching from one side. A small smile crosses his face as he completes the last ritual. He pauses a moment for a last quick prayer, then turns to the waiting woman. "Good morning, Delinniel. It is wonderful to see you again." Delinniel had only been the high priestess here at the shrine for about 35 years when Onas was one of the aspiring students. She was always kind and nurturing with the students, though she did have a bit of Aerdrie's stormy temper as well.

"Good to see you as well, Onas," the senior priestess replies, her amber eyes sparkling in the morning sun. "I hear news of you occasionally; it seems you have accomplished much in our patron's name over the years."

Onas takes the few steps to close the distance and gives a hug to the woman who initially sparked his interest in Angharradh's faith. "I am happy to serve in whatever capacity I can. It was very rewarding to be there to see the reopening of the Sylvan Realm and the Rainbow Bridge. We have also recovered all of the major clan homes there, including Walltree. There is much yet to be done to return everything to their previous glory, but the work has begun."

Delinniel smiles. "I am so pleased to hear it. I hope to travel up and visit the ancient realm and Mother Tree myself someday. It must be so heartwarming to reconnect with our heritage that way."

"it is indeed." Onas and Delinniel talk for a while longer, renewing their connection and sharing their passion for their faith. However, Onas has a flying ship to catch and cannot stay as long as he would like.

"It's time for me to return, Delinniel," Onas says, rising from where he was seated. "Duty calls, but I'm glad we got this opportunity to catch up."

"As am I, Onas. I know the Queen of Arvandor still has much for you to do, and I look forward to hearing about it. Be well and nurture your devotion."

"Be well and nurture your devotion." Onas returns the farewell and makes his way back to his parents home. As he walks, he thinks about the time he spent at the local shrine in priestess Delinniel's care before transferring to the main temple for his formal training. It was a pleasant time, and he had much opportunity to find his path.

Onas gathers his things, finding that Arlen has already left. Saying his goodbyes to his parents, he returns to where the Sunflower dropped them off. As he arrives, he finds that it is just settling into the water where the river wends past the town. It does not take long to board and return to the air. Onas positions himself near the the railing where he can watch the place of his birth fall away behind them as they rise into the sky.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 8th, CR 571 or Deepnight 30th, 20,519 AP

Lost Valley:

Lia and Talen have returned to the Lost Valley along with Lord Sharadin, the twins and Kylie. Lia receives instruction on how to fly using magic. The twins compare it to swimming in air.

“I guess this would be a bad time to say, I’m not that good at swimming.” she adds sheepishly as she takes to the air awkwardly.

“Push off with your feet in the direction that you wish to go,” the twins will offer. “It's very easy.”


Down on the ground, Lia introduces some of the inhabitants of the Lost Valley to her human family.

“She always had a way with words.” she says as she looks back at the twins and her Uncle.

“Most ogres are not that articulate,” Lord Sharadin notes with an amused look.


Nightmist's hut is reached.

"Meeting my mother again after so long has been an amazing and rewarding an experience," Kylie says with a smile. "She's quite a woman."

“She must be to have created such a wonderful daughter such as yourself,” Nightmist observes.

“I have some news as well,” Talen offers when he feels the time is right. “I've had some changes too. None as dramatic as Lia's here, but I am also not the same. While Lia choose to honor you and become a drow, I only took their abilities to replace my half-elven ones.”

“Such as the drow innate spell casting abilities?” Nightmist will wonder. “You have honored our family, Talen. It was a lovely gesture.”

“But there is more than that,” Talen continues. “We found the ruins of an Elder city to the north of the Sylvan Realm. Something in the city called to me and I was drawn to it. It was a teacher and it taught me how to control Elder devices such as the Pillar Artifacts. I can control travel through their networks now. Unfortunately, there are no such artifacts around here, so we do not have a quick way home. I feel that it is my responsibility to make sure the artifacts of the Elders are used safely and to not harm others. As such, I'll be returning to the Sylvan Realm to better carry out this role.”

“I know little of the Elders or their artifacts,” Nightmist will admit. “So I'm not quite sure this all involves. As long as you were not permanently hurt by what happened. Your well being is all that matters to me.”

“And I saved the best for last,” Talen concludes as he gestures for Kylie to come closer. “Kylie is my girlfriend.”

“Your first love,” Nightmist notes in a pleased voice. “How exciting for the both of you!”

“We just started to see each other and don't have any grand plans at this time. Maybe someday we'll settle down and start a family. We'll see what happens.”

“Nor should you have any grand plans,” Nightmist chides. “Your both so young to be making such life defining choices. See where life takes you and enjoy your company with each other along the way. Maybe someday you'll make these grand plans, but none have to be made today. If there is anything that those descended from elves have it is time. There is no need to rush anything.”

Lia talks about the Darksong Knights. Nightmist says that she's heard vague stories about them.

“In truth, I only know so much of them. Mostly that they protected the elves from the drow and other threats from below. If the Dark Maiden wishes her shrine to be reborn, then it be as she wishes.” she says sternly and evenly.

“That is a most worthwhile pursuit,” Nightmist agrees as to the mission of the Darksong Knights.

It is then that Lia tells her grandmother of the altercation with the surface elf. “After the chosen freed the elves and I received my boon. We were hunting Orcs and driving them from the realm. As we did so, An elf called out, I still recall his words, filled of hate and rage. “In the name of the Black Archer, die drow witch!” as she shudders from the memory. “I subdued him and showed him mercy. The next time, I will show them my blade.” As she unclasps her sword belt and leans slightly upon it still sitting. “ The others must know what they may face.”

“That is peculiar and troubling,” Nightmist observes with concern. “Followers of Shevarash are typically consumed with hatred for those who follow Lloth and the others in her dark pantheon. However, they generally do not try to kill those who follow the Dark Maiden out of hand. Don't get me wrong, they hate us for being dark elves, just slightly not as much as the rest of the drow. That he simply attacked you is troubling. It sounds to me that this elf is unhinged and a danger to all.”

Nightmist introduces two female and one male drow who will be going back to the Sylvan Realm with Lia to help with the Eilistraee Shrine.

The runners return as do some new faces. Balok a male drow, Viconia a fellow priestess and another Janice, a sorcerer of some renown. Lia greets them all in turn with a smile and offers her hand in greeting. “It is a pleasure to meet you again. It will be good to have more friends and followers of Eilistraee within the Sylvan realm.”

“I look forward to maintaining the Dark Maiden's shrine with you,” Viconia says in excited voice. “This will be grand venture.”

“ I will warn you this.” she says simply, “ Not all the elves will view us kindly, some with hostility. Be mindful of this when we leave here.”

“So, basically, they'll treat us the same as they always do,” Janice wryly notes. “Normal. For them anyway. And here I thought this was all going to be different.”

“If anyone attacks us, they have to go through me first,” Balok earnestly vows.


Janice boldly approaches Lord Sharadin. “Well met Lord Sharadin, I have heard much about you before.”

“Have we met before?” Lord Sharadin wonders as he looks over the drow sorceress.

“Not in person,” Janice explains. “But our paths have crossed a few times while I was out in the world performing missions for the Dark Lady. Most recently when you reclaimed Gateway.”

“There was talk of a drow leading a force of goblinoids at times in the battle,” Lord Sharadin recalls. “That was you?”

“Guilty as charged,” Janice admits with a grin. “Goblins and their ilk treat their females horridly and I was helping them to a better life. Plus trying to be a thorn in the side of their Hextorite masters. No one wants to see those thugs hold power.”

“We can agree on that,” Lord Sharadin states.


At Lord Sharadin's invitation, Nightmist agrees to accompany the Archmage on his mission to Baltron's beacon, the lair of the Cult of the Blackflame. Nightmist had been there over fifty years ago as a member of the Swords of Cynalon adventuring band. They rescued the baby Crown Prince from the vile cult.

After going to change, Nightmist emerges in her old adventuring gear. She had fine suit of elfin chain mail underneath her clothes. Nightmist wears a dark colored blouse and pants and soft leather boots. A wide rimmed head protects her from the sun. A pair of short swords are sheathed around Nightmist waist while her trusty flute is secured in its own carrier.

Lia smiles as she sees her grandmother in full adventuring gear. “I feel sorry for them already.” she jokes seriously.

“And well you should, child,” Nightmist says with a grin as she passes.

Talen informs his grandmother how they will be making the trip to Baltron's Beacon.

“Oh, you're going to be traveling in style, Grandma!” Talen calls out. “By flying ship!”

Talen point up at the distant Lady Iris hovering far overhead. Nightmist jaw drops in surprise.

“Methods of travel have vastly improved since my day,” Nightmist notes.

[GM Mad]

More Fly spells are shared with the drow who will be traveling on the Lady Iris. Janice provides her own Fly spell. In short order, the large group flies up to the hovering ship and lands on the deck. The adventures present there are understandably shock to have more drow among them. Tense moments pass.

“At ease,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We are all allies here. Permit me to introduce Nightmist, the same lady who at one time was a member of the Swords of Cynalon before the Great War.”

“Allow me to correct you there, Lord Sharadin,” Nightmist says stepping forward completely at ease. “As decreed by Good King Victor the Fifth upon the occasion of the rescue of his son, Victor the Sixth, I am to be addressed as the Lady Nightmist. pleasure to meet you all. May our future endeavors meet with complete success.”

The human adventures seemed stunned at this news.

“Now it all makes sense,” Argent mutters mostly to herself.

“Then you knew James the Red?” Sorvani wonders as he approaches. “Jalizar Sallavarian?”

“Intimately,” Nightmist states completely aware of the double meaning of her words.

That seems to break the ice and several of the adventures have questions for the Lady Nightmist. Meanwhile preparations are made to continue on your journey.

“How exactly does this work?” Janice wonders as she takes in the Lady Iris. “How does this ship fly?”


The Up and Down Method is employed one more time as the Lady Iris moves from over the Lost Valley to the Great Swamp far to the east. The drow are shocked by the method of traveled as it is beyond anything they heard or imagined before.

“Imagine the good we could do with a vessel like this,” Janice tells Nightmist in an awed voice. “All those we could help, no matter how far away.”

“I can imagine,” Nightmist easily answers. “Easily.”


As the Lady Iris starts to descend over the Great Swamp, the land below comes into view. The ocean port city of Athenos is seen further to the south. West of Athenos lies Port Tenobar, once a sister metropolis to Athenos and now a fallen, unclaimed city. Bandits, pirates and monsters are believed to life there now. To the north, Elcadan can easily be seen along with the smaller Elstrich.

The great Streel River winds its way north and south along to the east of the Lady Iris. This major water way extends all the way from Corunglain far to the north down to Athenos and into the Southern Sea. Small towns can been seen on the eastern shore across from the Great Swamp. One of these villages is Orlane, the home of Kylie's father.

Several major rivers run through the Great Swamp with seemingly miles of endless marshland composing most of the area. A few 'islands' of solid land can been seen here and there. Most of these areas are lightly forested hills.

Near the middle of the Great Swamp lies the ruins of the buried Elder City of Shelvestra. From above the city cannot be seen. Only the large rift over the cavern holding what remains of the city can be seen from above. The vines that further helped camouflage the Elder City were broken with the passage of the Dauntless during the battle against the HIVE.

The Lady Iris makes course for the rift and slows to a stop above it. The ship turns slowly, aligning it with the largest portion of the rift. Once that is completed, the Lady Iris slowly descends down into the ruins below. As Kylie takes all this in she is once more impressed with the skill the Captain Roma's crew. The Dauntless, a much larger vessel, just flew through the right with the grace of a bird, while the Lady Iris moves at much slower, more hesitant pace. Finally, the Lady Iris passes through the right and into the ruined city.

“Plot a course to the northeast,” Lord Sharadin tells the Captain of the Lady Iris. “That's our next destination.”

As the Lady Iris sails slowly above the ruined city, the bodies of the mammoth enemies that the Coalition defeated come into view. Several black dragons, a dozen or so gigantic beetles and the remains of the HIVE Queen and untold minions. Scavengers can be seen in the shadows here and there, picking on the bodies of the dead. Rats, buzzards, carrion crawlers and the like.

In short order, the Pillar Artifact mostly surrounded by the swampy lake appears. This was the Coalition's entry point into the Elder City. The Lady Iris lowers itself down further, and hovers as close to the ground as it dares. A gangplank is lower to the ground below. It lands on the small trail that connects the Pillar Artifact to the main city.

The plan was for Talen to activate the Pillar Artifact and Lia, and now her companions, would be taken to the ruins of Shillesta to the north of the Sylvan Realm. There they would wait for Talen and the other elves to catch up with them in a day or two.

“Talen,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We can use the Pillar Artifact to travel to Elder City and return back here can we not? I think I would like to see this Elder City for myself, if only for a few minutes. I would help be prepare a Teleportation Arrival Point for later use.”

“I wish to see it as well,” Nightmist calls out. “I want to see what my grandchildren have been up to.”

“Count me in as well,” Argent announces. “The Elders are my area of study. I've only heard about this place, now I want to see it with my own eyes.”

“We can come back here right away,” Talen states. “A quick trip to make sure the area is safe for everyone while we're away. Who else wants to come along?”

[GM Mad]

The rest of the full blooded elves are up in their ancestral home, the Dorwynn Elfholds. Most have returned to their individual Clan Holds to visit, collect their belongs and wrap up their affairs before returning to the Sylvan Realm. Lilia and Laucian have returned to Ainsun, their Clan Hold. The Sunflower lands on the river and moves up to the docks. The gangplank is lowered as the curious of the towns folk come closer.

“Good day Clansmen!” Laucian calls out as he walks down the gangplank. Laucian exchanges greetings and and answers questions that are put forth to him. He tells them that their ancestral home is reclaimed from that of spiders.

The others in Clan Grunalf are thankful for the news of what is transpiring in the Sylvan Realm. They only had news up to the point of the Clan Master returning on the day the Rainbow Bridge opened and not what happened after that. Clan Master Durifern comes forth when made aware of the Sunflower's arrival. He greets Laucian and Lilia.

“Thank you for the news, Clansman,” Durifern tells Laucian. “Welcome home, Your Majesty,” he says to Lilia.

While the Clan Master and Lilia speak, Laucian moves off to take advantage of the Open Market before making the ride out to Black Lake. Once out at Black Lake he quickly locates a pair of old friends and trainers.

Seeing several of his fellow priests, Laucian greets them all kindly. Spotting Ielenia, Laucian raises his hand in greeting, “ Good Day Forest sister. It has been some time. I have news for you and Ivellios.”

Once all together, Laucian tells them of his travels and achievements, “There have been much happenings since we last spoke. The Sylvan Realm has been reclaimed, the Rainbow Bridge and those trapped within have been freed. Each of our ancestral homes have been restored to their former glory.”

“This is wonderful news, Forest Brother!” Ielenia says excitedly. “The Clan Master only knew so much from his short visit. We will have to visit when we can.”

“And most importantly, a forgotten shrine to Ehlonna has been found. A great Forest Lord and his family protected it in our priests absence. Many of our followers went to shrine and renewed it’s blessings, It’s alter replenished.”

“A glorious find, Laucian,” Ivellios states as they grasps hands. “Aye, we will have to visit both our ancestral home and this holy shrine.”

“There is other news. When we found the flying ship. It’s owners are coming to reclaim it. Sadly these owners are slavers. Slavers of Elves. We aim to show them the error of their ways with assistance of our allies.”

“The Clan Master spoke of these slavers,” Ielenia says. “Others have gone to help you in this battle. All the clans are providing you with support.”

“Come,” Ivellios gestures. “For tonight enjoy the comforts of our Ladies Temple and the company of your friends. The slavers will be dealt with in the days to come. ”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

I covered a lot of ground once more to move things along. Onas has moved on to the next day in his post, that's why I didn't do anything with him this post. I'll be doing the same in the next update for everyone. But do continue your various conversations in the mean time. In fact I was going to advance the Lost Valley part even further, but it became a matter of getting something posted today versus adding even more and posting it whenever.

The Swords of Cynalon story in the Story Folder covers the events of the rescue mission from long ago. Nightmist gaining her title is mentioned there. She is essentially a Court Lord, like many of the Guardian's of Light received from their battles in Corunglain. The title is not hereditary. Nightmist herself is a tri-classed character. Obviously, she is a Priestess of Eilistraee, but she is also a bard and a fighter as well. Her instrument of choice is the flute.

The plan for the Lost Valley portion of the group was to return to the Elder Ruins in the Great Swamp so that Talen could use the Pillar Artifact to send Lia to the ruins north of the Sylvan Realm. Lia's new companions will now be joining her there.

After that, the Lady Iris will fly to Orlane, east of the swampy ruins. There, Kylie and Talen will disembark so they can visit her father. After that, Kylie was going to teleport both of them to Crossroads to visit the Argent rescued from the Elder Ruins to the north of the Sylvan Realm. The next day, after Kylie re-memorized another Teleportation spell, they will travel back to Karn's Keep and use the Pillar Artifact there to join Lia up north.

In the Elfholds, the Sunflower will set sail in the next morning once more. She will fly, controlled by Lothtor once more, back to Shieldtree to pick up Onas and Arlen. From there the Sunflower will across the Elfholds to Feador to pick up Valena. Pinitel is next to pick up Gweyr leaving Alastrad last to pick up Andlin. From there, the Sunflower will fly to Desnae to pick up the attack force going back to the Sylvan Realm. After that, Myev will navigate the Sunflower and use the Up and Down Method to reach the Sylvan Realm.

Now what?

[Talen]

Talen:

“Such as the drow innate spell casting abilities?” Nightmist will wonder. “You have honored our family, Talen. It was a lovely gesture.”

“That's right, grandma,” Talen answers. “I can see better in the dark than before too. Stuff like that.”

“I know little of the Elders or their artifacts,” Nightmist will admit. “So I'm not quite sure this all involves. As long as you were not permanently hurt by what happened. Your well being is all that matters to me.”

“Permanently hurt? No,” Talen tells his grandmother. “But I am different at the same time. The Elders left some powerful tools behind that could lead to bad things happening in the wrong hands. I'm going to stop that.”

“Your first love,” Nightmist notes in a pleased voice. “How exciting for the both of you!”

“It's been different,” Talen admits as he glances at Kylie. “For both of us, I think.”

“Nor should you have any grand plans,” Nightmist chides. “Your both so young to be making such life defining choices. See where life takes you and enjoy your company with each other along the way. Maybe someday you'll make these grand plans, but none have to be made today. If there is anything that those descended from elves have it is time. There is no need to rush anything.”

“Thank you, grandma,” Talen says gratefully with a hug. “I really needed to hear that.”

Meanwhile, Talen shows Kylie around Nightmist's home, including the room in which he lived while growing up. When he mentions children, Kylie pauses and takes his hand, looking into his eyes as though trying to read his thoughts. "At this point, I don't really know how I feel about children. I guess I assumed I might have some someday, and I would certainly want the best for them if I did, but it's all kind of nebulous or theoretical for me now. Talen, I hope you can be patient with me while I figure out what I really want."

“I'm sorry that I brought that up with my grandmother,” Talen says to Kylie. “I guess I thought I was getting ahead of things to avoid what happened earlier this morning at Karn's Keep. Truth is I never even considered being a father until the twins brought it up. After that, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Grandma is right. There is no need to be in a hurry to grow up. We have time to figure these things out along the way.”

Kylie looks at the painting as Talen talks about what little he knows of his parents. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Talen. They do look happy together, and I'm sure they loved you and Lia very much. I think they would be very proud of you both if they were still here."

“I like to think that as well,” Talen agrees.


The stay in Lost Valley is a short one, but grandma is going to go with Uncle Sharadin on his mission. Lia has some friends coming with her as well. Taking Kylie's hand, Talen introduces her to them.

“Kylie, this is Janice,” Talen says. “She helped teach me how to cast mage spells. Janice, Kylie.”

“When he was actually paying attention and not daydreaming,” Janice answers with a smirk. “Nice to meet you, Kylie.”

Talen moves on to Balok, the warrior of the Lost Valley. “And this is Balok,” Talen says in way of introductions. “He taught me how to use weapons and defend myself.”

Balok is a drow of average height, standing just a little taller than Kylie. He has snow white hair with a bushy beard. He is muscular, at least for an elf.

“Tried to teach,” Balok corrects. “The lad always had his head in the clouds instead of focusing on what was before him.”

“Yeah, I was not a good student,” Talen admits with a nervous chuckle. “Good to see you, Balok.”

“And to you as well,” Balok responds. “Welcome to the Lost Valley, Miss Kylie.”

As we get ready to depart, grandma wonders how we are going to be traveling. Talen tells her its by flying ship.

“Methods of travel have vastly improved since my day,” Nightmist notes.

“They've vastly improved since we left the Lost Valley!” Talen adds.

We fly back up to the Lady Iris, but those waiting there are surprised with who we return with.

“At ease,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We are all allies here. Permit me to introduce Nightmist, the same lady who at one time was a member of the Swords of Cynalon before the Great War.”

“Allow me to correct you there, Lord Sharadin,” Nightmist says stepping forward completely at ease. “As decreed by Good King Victor the Fifth upon the occasion of the rescue of his son, Victor the Sixth, I am to be addressed as the Lady Nightmist. pleasure to meet you all. May our future endeavors meet with complete success.”

“Wow!” Talen says. “I had no idea that grandma was a noble of Cynalon! I guess me and Lia really are nobility!”

“Then you knew James the Red?” Sorvani wonders as he approaches. “Jalizar Sallavarian?”

“Intimately,” Nightmist states completely aware of the double meaning of her words.

Talen can't help but snicker when grandma admits she knew Talen's grandfather very well. Considering they sired his mother, I'd say pretty well!

“Imagine the good we could do with a vessel like this,” Janice tells Nightmist in an awed voice. “All those we could help, no matter how far away.”

“I can imagine,” Nightmist easily answers. “Easily.”

“Well then, we'll just have to see if we can provide you with such a vessel,” Talen tells Janice and Grandma.


The Lady Iris starts to move upwards once more as we begin the next leg of the trip. The guests from the Lost Valley are stunned by this method of travel. Talen still isn't quite used to it either. Soon we are over the swampy Elder Ruins where we fought the HIVE. Descending through the rift, the Lady Iris flies through the gigantic cavern where the ruined city sits.

“Plot a course to the northeast,” Lord Sharadin tells the Captain of the Lady Iris. “That's our next destination."

Talen nods in agreement with his Uncle. “The Pillar Artifact lies in that direction.”

As we fly along, the corpses from all the HIVE controlled beasts are seen. Scavengers are already picking their bones clean. The trip is short and we reach our destination. The gangplank is lower close to the Pillar Artifact.

“Talen,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We can use the Pillar Artifact to travel to Elder City and return back here can we not? I think I would like to see this Elder City for myself, if only for a few minutes. I would help be prepare a Teleportation Arrival Point for later use.”

“I wish to see it as well,” Nightmist calls out. “I want to see what my grandchildren have been up to.”

“Count me in as well,” Argent announces. “The Elders are my area of study. I've only heard about this place, now I want to see it with my own eyes.”

“We can come back here right away,” Talen states. “A quick trip to make sure the area is safe for everyone while we're away. Who else wants to come along?”

Talen will unlock the Pillar Artifact and have it connect to the one north of the Sylvan Realm.

“Stay off the platform until the portal opens,” Talen calls out. “Once the portal appears, just walk through it. Its just that easy.”

Once everyone has passed through the portal, Talen will follow them.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

A while back at Karn's Keep...

“I see,” Argent says in response to the revelation that elfin royalty are elected. “Elves seem to do things differently from the other civilized races.”

“We've had more practice making these sorts of things work,” Lilia answers diplomatically.

“Most adventurers never do,” Sherwood says. “Most think that they are going out to explore the world. In actuality, the long journey usually leads to discovering ones own self. I would say that is where your journey led you.”

“I've said it before and I will now say it again,” Lilia states. “You are a far wiser man than I ever gave you credit for Sherwood Elf-Friend. That is a most interesting insight.”

“It's hard to say,” Sherwood admits. “Its called the wastelands of Vassa for a reason. Much of the land is not fit to live on. Oh, there are towns and cities here and there. But nothing that strikes you as being a dangerous nation. No, it is the Witch-King himself that is the true threat. But the true nature of his threat eluded my scouting.”

Lilia mulls over Sherwood's answer concerning the eastern neighbor to the Sylvan Realm. “We shall have to keep a watchful eye on them,” Lilia concludes.

There is a small outburst from Lia concerning Kylie and Talen being in a relationship. The humans seem excited about this for some reason that Lilia really cannot fathom. Instead, when her eyes meet Kylie's, she'll give a nod of affirmation.


Soon we board the Sunflower and begin the journey to the Elfholds and our homes. The steel dragon, Lothtor, fulfills Silvarn's role of piloting the Sunflower at faster speeds. The Elfholds are rapidly reached and elves start to disembark. The Sunflower hops across the Elfholds making four stops before reaching our final destination.

The River of Monsters is spotted and the Sunflower lowers down to the water. Then it moves up the town docks to settle in for the evening. The last time Lilia was here it was on the flying barge. Now she returns on a flying vessel once more, but this time in much grander fashion. Lilia herself has also changed since the last time she was home. Laucian is the first to disembark, no doubt eager to visit his home temple out on the shores of Black Lake.

“Come, let me show your around my home town,” Lilia tells Myev and Lothtor. “Give you both a taste of elfin life.”

A crowd starts to gather when the Sunflower docks. Laucian speaks of the Grunalf Clan Hold in the Sylvan Realm to the locals. In time Clan Master Durifern arrives.

The others in Clan Grunalf are thankful for the news of what is transpiring in the Sylvan Realm. They only had news up to the point of the Clan Master returning on the day the Rainbow Bridge opened and not what happened after that. Clan Master Durifern comes forth when made aware of the Sunflower's arrival. He greets Laucian and Lilia.

“Welcome home, Your Majesty,” he says to Lilia.

“It is good to be home,” Lilia tells the Clan Master. “Even if for a little while. I have guests with me that I wished to show around. This my friend Lothtor.”

“Welcome to Ainsun, Lothtor,” the Durifern says to the dragon in disguise.

“Pleasant looking town,” Lothtor notes.

“And this is Myev,” Lilia gestures to the tall blue elf. “She is an elf like us, just from very far away. I was hoping that an Elder could show our distant cousin around a bit.”

“Hi!” Myev says excitedly as she looks around. “Its nice. Lots to climb!”

“I'm sure something can be arranged,” the Clan Master vows as he takes in the strange elf.

Moving into the crowd beside the dock, Lilia speaks for a time as well, covering what is and what will be happening in the Sylvan Realm. She still amazed how easy she finds it to address crowds and hold their attention. “The old Clan Holds are just being rediscovered. More elves are needed to turn these into another home. If you are feeling adventurous, make the trip to the Sylvan Realm. The Rainbow Bridge will safely guide you there when it returns.”

Afterwards, Lilia will travel to her simple home to pack more of her belongings for her new home in the Sylvan Realm. Once that task is complete, she'll travel to visit her parents at their home. It's been a long time since she last seen them. Unlike humans, many elf children merely have a cordial relationship with their parents. Lilia's relationship with her parents is cool at best.

Arriving at their home, Lilia announces herself. Her parents are relaxing. Her father reads a book, while her mother tends to her plants.

“Mother, father, I will be taking my leave of you,” Lilia states. “Come the morning I will be returning to the Sylvan Realm, my new home.”

“Fare thee well, daughter,” Lilia's father, Serian by name, answers before returning to his reading.

Lilia's mother, Falee, sets aside her work and approaches. She takes Lilia's hand.

“We've heard the stories of what you have accomplished while away,” Falee says. “I want you to know that your father and I are very proud of what you become. Safe journeys, daughter.”

“Thank you, mother,” Lilia answers without much emotion.

With that, Falee returns to her work. Without another word, Lilia leaves her parents home for what is most likely the last time.

With all her remaining belongings stored on the Sunflower, Lilia will spend the evening in the home village talking to the locals before turning in for the evening. Tomorrow will be another day of travel.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

Visiting His Parents:

In Shieldtree, Onas meets up with his parents at their home. Arlen arrives not long after and is reunited with his parents. After a time talk turns to what transpired up north. What happened to Chandra was a shock to most in Shieldtree. Clan Master Redsword Truetalker filled everyone in on the news from the Sylvan Realm. But they are interested in what happened after the Clan Master had returned.

“We heard that Argus Bloodmoon became the Clan Master in the Sylvan Realm,” Naloren states. “That was a surprise as everyone assumed it would be Chandra.”

"That whole episode was a grim time for our clan; Chandra's actions did not bring honor to Red Arrow as he reached beyond his authority as Speaker," Onas says with a grimace. "His disastrous attack on the Elder city cost him -- and many others of our people -- their lives. With Chandra gone, Argus was best qualified to lead those of our clan who remained."

"The only good that can be said to have come from his actions was the discovery and destruction of those Hive creatures infesting the Elder city. Queen Lilia and the Chosen rescued a number of elven prisoners from them. The half-elf, Talen, was able to determine that the Hive had a larger base in the swamps not far from Elcadan. Queen Lilia allied with some human wizards, a squad of dwarves, and an aerial warship of the Alphatian Navy; together, we were able to clear the Hive from their grotto. That was truly an epic battle!"

“Have you seen Walltree?” Aerenaiadh inquires. “I've only heard stories of our ancient Clan Hold. Does it still stand?”

"It does, Mother," Onas replies. When we found it, the town was inhabited by some human bandits and their wyvern mounts. They were given the opportunity to leave in peace, but they unwisely chose to fight. It did not go well for them."

"The other major clan holds were recovered as well; though most will require some work to return to good condition. Unicorns, griffins, centaur, and cooshees have been encountered and befriended; there have also been encounters with talking elven cats and even a cath shee. I never realized that cath shee were so large!"

________________________________________________________________________
I missed the questions from his parents earlier, so I've gone back to give Onas' responses.

[Argent]

Argent:

After the meeting and greeting at Karn's Keep, we board the Lady Iris and make ready for the next part of the journey. Lord Sharadin has been most mysterious about where we are going next, only that some of us will be going on shore and the rest will remain on the ship.

Argent is a bit surprised on Jallarzi's reaction to Kylie and Talen dating. She leaps ahead to marriage and starts to plan the wedding!

“I've never seen that side of Jallarzi before,” Argent tells Kylie as they travel to the Lady Iris. “I know that family is very important to her. Especially after she lost her parents and had to run the estate on her own. Still a wedding at the Sallavarian Estate would be a grand affair!”


The Lady Iris takes flight and begins to travel away from Karn's Keep. Argent corners Talen so that he can tell her what he knows about the Elders. Argent has traveled enough on flying ships by now that she knows what to expect. She's already experienced the 'Up and Down Method' when Jallarzi took the Heart of Hell from Elcadan to Corunglain.

Before long we reach our first stop along the way to Baltron's Beacon. As the ship descends, Argent can make out some of the landmarks to help give her an idea just where the ship is now at. Crossroads is spotted to the north and east. What Argent guesses to be Alexandria to the south. The Lady Iris must be over the Black Peak Mountains, the range that separates the Inner Kingdom from the outer.

A small valley comes into sight as the Lady Iris lowers itself down. Lord Sharadin directs the Captain of the Lady Iris to stop his descent and to simply hang in the sky over the valley below.

“No need to get too close,” Lord Sharadin notes. “Lets not try to cause more panic than necessary.”

“Hmmm,” Argent notes to herself. Who are we trying to not panic? Those on the Lady Iris or those below?

Turning towards Lia and Talen, Lord Sharadin adds, “Shall we visit your grandmother?”

“Yes, please!” Talen says in giddy voice. “Follow me!”

Judging by Talen's outburst, what lies below is his home. He's so excited to be returning home that he simply leaps over the railing! Argent rushes to see what is going on, but finds Talen floating down safely to the ground jiggling all the while. Kylie flies after him and then joins him in his slow descent to the ground below. Lord Sharadin, Lia and the twins follow.

“I guess now we wait,” Argent tells Burant.


Eventually, those who traveled down to the ground return. However, they are not alone!

More Fly spells are shared with the drow who will be traveling on the Lady Iris. Janice provides her own Fly spell. In short order, the large group flies up to the hovering ship and lands on the deck. The adventures present there are understandably shock to have more drow among them. Tense moments pass.

“At ease,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We are all allies here. Permit me to introduce Nightmist, the same lady who at one time was a member of the Swords of Cynalon before the Great War.”

“Allow me to correct you there, Lord Sharadin,” Nightmist says stepping forward completely at ease. “As decreed by Good King Victor the Fifth upon the occasion of the rescue of his son, Victor the Sixth, I am to be addressed as the Lady Nightmist. Pleasure to meet you all. May our future endeavors meet with complete success.”

“Now it all makes sense,” Argent mutters mostly to herself. “I can see where Lia gets her sass from.”

“Then you knew James the Red?” Sorvani wonders as he approaches. “Jalizar Sallavarian?”

“Intimately,” Nightmist states completely aware of the double meaning of her words.

With those words, it all falls into place in Argent's mind. The Lady Nightmist is Talen's grandmother. Since Lord Sharadin is also his uncle, than that means that Lord Sharadin's father also had children with the Nightmist. That child, in turn, had Lia and Talen. The family relationship all comes together. Nightmist is a name known to most who study history. Argent has heard of her and some of the things that the Swords of Cynalon did, but it was not her preferred field of study.

“How exactly does this work?” Janice wonders as she takes in the Lady Iris. “How does this ship fly?”

Seeing as Lord Sharadin announced that the new arrivals are allies, Argent will fearlessly step up to the drow. “Ever hear of a Spell Engine?” Argent asks the drow. “Hi, I'm Argent, an Invoker of no small power.”


The Lady Iris continues on its flight. The Up and Down Method is employed a second time and now we are over the Great Swamp. Elcadan can be seen to the north, while many of the other settlements Argent can only guess at. A large rift in swamp below comes into view and that seems to be our destination. The Lady Iris slowly descends into the rift and arrives in a gigantic cavern below. In this caverns are the ruins of an Elder City!

“Plot a course to the northeast,” Lord Sharadin tells the Captain of the Lady Iris. “That's our next destination.”

Argent takes in what she can made out in this dark cavern. A large pillar formation is spotted below. “Is that the city to city version?”, Argent wonders aloud.

The bodies of gigantic creatures can be seen below as the Lady Iris sails past. A fierce battle took place her recent. Argent inadvertently shivers from the sight of the monsters. It must have been quite a battle.

In short order, the Pillar Artifact mostly surrounded by the swampy lake appears. This was the Coalition's entry point into the Elder City. The Lady Iris lowers itself down further, and hovers as close to the ground as it dares. A gangplank is lower to the ground below. It lands on the small trail that connects the Pillar Artifact to the main city.

The plan was for Talen to activate the Pillar Artifact and Lia, and now her companions, would be taken to the ruins of Shillesta to the north of the Sylvan Realm. There they would wait for Talen and the other elves to catch up with them in a day or two.

“Talen,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We can use the Pillar Artifact to travel to Elder City and return back here can we not? I think I would like to see this Elder City for myself, if only for a few minutes. I would help be prepare a Teleportation Arrival Point for later use.”

“I wish to see it as well,” Nightmist calls out. “I want to see what my grandchildren have been up to.”

“Count me in as well,” Argent announces. “The Elders are my area of study. I've only heard about this place, now I want to see it with my own eyes.”

“We can come back here right away,” Talen states. “A quick trip to make sure the area is safe for everyone while we're away. Who else wants to come along?”

Argent makes her way down the gangplank and walks towards the Pillar Artifact. As she does, second thoughts creep into her head as she recalls how her last trip through this thing turned out.

“It's safe, right?” Argent wonders aloud. “I mean I'm not going to be beside myself again, am I?”

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“I've never seen that side of Jallarzi before,” Argent tells Kylie as they travel to the Lady Iris. “I know that family is very important to her. Especially after she lost her parents and had to run the estate on her own. Still a wedding at the Sallavarian Estate would be a grand affair!”

Kylie listens as her friend provides more insight into their teacher's life. "I did not know all that, Argent. Thank you for sharing that with me." Her perspective regarding such a wedding catches her a bit by surprise. "I'm sure you're right, though I'm not sure I'm ready to be the one. Perhaps you should go first..." she says with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

===

Talen introduces her to his grandmother.

“She must be to have created such a wonderful daughter such as yourself,” Nightmist observes.

"Thank you, ma'am," Kylie replies, blushing slightly. She's trying to get used to hearing people complement her, but it's still a novel experience to some extent. At least it isn't as shocking as it used to be.

Talen talks of several things with Nightmist before mentioning their relationship. His grandmother sounds pleased, but doesn't make a big deal of it, which is particularly pleasant after the way Jallarzi reacted.

“It's been different,” Talen admits as he glances at Kylie. “For both of us, I think.”

Kylie meets Talen's glance and nods quietly.

“Nor should you have any grand plans,” Nightmist chides. “Your both so young to be making such life defining choices. See where life takes you and enjoy your company with each other along the way. Maybe someday you'll make these grand plans, but none have to be made today. If there is anything that those descended from elves have it is time. There is no need to rush anything.”

Kylie smiles and gives Nightmist a half-bow. "I appreciate you saying that, Lady Nightmist." It is comforting to hear her talk this way, and Kylie isn't sure how else to express her appreciation so she keeps it short and simple. She also doesn't want to be a distraction in Talen and Lia's time with their grandmother, so she listens quietly for the most part when they interact.

Before leaving, Talen finds time to show Kylie around where he grew up.

“I like to think that as well,” Talen agrees.

Kylie gives his hand an affectionate squeeze. It seems like he's starting to gain a bit of confidence and self-assurance, and it pleases her to see that.

He also introduces her to several other residents, including Janice and Balok, who provided much of his training. Kylie greets them both, and chuckles at the verbal sparring between Talen and Balok.

Flying back up to the ship, they rejoin the crew and introductions are made for the new passengers. While it is clear that not all are comfortable with so many dark elves aboard, Sharadin and Nightmist resolve any concerns quickly.

Ascending and descending once again, the Streel valley spreads out below them. Many landmarks can be seen as they descend, and Kylie points out Orlane to Talen. "That town there is Orlane, where my father lives. I'm looking forward to seeing him soon."

They soon find themselves entering the rift over the Elder city, Shelvestra. Passing through the entrance is a bit nerve-wracking, and Kylie marvels at how skillfully Captain Roma and her crew had managed it with their substantially-larger warship. Clearly the elves have much yet to learn of flying these ships.

Sharadin steers them toward the northern pillar artifact. As they pass along, Kylie can see the bodies of the black dragons, giant beetles, and the Hive Queen herself. There is a moment where she's worried that they will somehow come back to life, but nothing of the sort happens -- thankfully.

Reaching the pillar, Sharadin explains that Talen will use the artifact to take most of the team to the northern Elder city named Shillesta. He, Nightmist, and Argent plan to go along for a quick visit, before continuing on with their other priorities.

“We can come back here right away,” Talen states. “A quick trip to make sure the area is safe for everyone while we're away. Who else wants to come along?”

"If you're going, I'm coming too. Someone has to keep you out of trouble," Kylie says with a playful smirk. When the time is right, she will step through just before Talen does.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“Thank you for the news, Clansman,” Durifern tells Laucian. “Welcome home, Your Majesty,” he says to Lilia.

“It is the least I can do, Clan Master Durifern.” Hearing the clan master address Lilia, Laucian bows his head and moves back and goes about his business.

“This is wonderful news, Forest Brother!” Ielenia says excitedly. “The Clan Master only knew so much from his short visit. We will have to visit when we can.”


“A glorious find, Laucian,” Ivellios states as they grasps hands. “Aye, we will have to visit both our ancestral home and this holy shrine.”

“It is a sight to see.” Laucian smiles and says, “Send word when you are able. I will escort you personally. Aura and the other griffons will be honored to carry you to the shrine.”

“Come,” Ivellios gestures. “For tonight enjoy the comforts of our Ladies Temple and the company of your friends. The slavers will be dealt with in the days to come. ”

Laucian will follow Ivellios, “The Ladies hospitality and your presence is always welcome.” Laucian will enjoy his time with Ivellios and Ielenia. He will talk to the other priests as well.
Ast the night progresses, Laucian makes his way to Ehlonna’s Shrine. He removes his boots, upper armor and weapons. Placing them by the entry way. The cool air meets his skin the fading light of the torches dance across his tattoos as he kneels before the alter there. He silently grasps his holy symbol and closes his eyes.

“Ehlonna, I love to serve you and your ideals, in which I have not faltered. I ask nothing for myself, you have provided me with more than I have ever dreamed. I do ask this of you now. Please watch over my companions with a ready bow. If something is to happen to me, see my companions through the coming days. For no elf deserves a life in chains.”

With his prayer finished, Laucian gets up and offers a bow to the offer. He then dawns his armor weapons, and boots. “I will go where your will takes me.” he says softly as he listens to the soft sounds of the night.

Laucian will makes his way back to the Sunflower and wait. Seeing Lilia, Laucian walks up and says, “It was good to see home one more time. How was your visit?” he asks curiously awaiting them to depart.

[Lia]

Lia

“Push off with your feet in the direction that you wish to go,” the twins will offer. “It's very easy.”

“Well, no time like the present.” she says as she pushes off toward the ground.

“I know little of the Elders or their artifacts,” Nightmist will admit. “So I'm not quite sure this all involves. As long as you were not permanently hurt by what happened. Your well being is all that matters to me.”

“Just being impulsive and going off on his own. You know like always.” she looks at her brother slightly amused, slightly annoyed at the memory of him leaving by himself.

“That is peculiar and troubling,” Nightmist observes with concern. “Followers of Shevarash are typically consumed with hatred for those who follow Lloth and the others in her dark pantheon. However, they generally do not try to kill those who follow the Dark Maiden out of hand. Don't get me wrong, they hate us for being dark elves, just slightly not as much as the rest of the drow. That he simply attacked you is troubling. It sounds to me that this elf is unhinged and a danger to all.”

“I figured him knowing that a drow helped free him from the rainbow bridge and the fact that a drow spared his life would be a far worse punishment than feeling the sharpness of my blade.” a slight smirk upon her lips.

“I look forward to maintaining the Dark Maiden's shrine with you,” Viconia says in excited voice. “This will be grand venture.”

“ And I you. It is good to see you well, Viconia. How does your priestess studies go?” she asks curiously.

“So, basically, they'll treat us the same as they always do,” Janice wryly notes. “Normal. For them anyway. And here I thought this was all going to be different.”

“We will make it different in time. I promise you that.” she says evenly and honestly.

“If anyone attacks us, they have to go through me first,” Balok earnestly vows.

“I pray they do not make that mistake. But if they see you in action they may think twice before doing so again!” she compliments Balok.

“Methods of travel have vastly improved since my day,” Nightmist notes.

“ You can use my room if you wish it.” she says simply. “ Seeing as I wont be needing it for long.”

More Fly spells are shared with the drow who will be traveling on the Lady Iris. Janice provides her own Fly spell. In short order, the large group flies up to the hovering ship and lands on the deck. The adventures present there are understandably shock to have more drow among them. Tense moments pass.

“At ease,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We are all allies here. Permit me to introduce Nightmist, the same lady who at one time was a member of the Swords of Cynalon before the Great War.”

Lia lands behind the others, as she sees the tenseness of the sailors she moves forward, placing her hands on her new companions shoulders as she does. “Steady, My friends.” as she says so her left hand casually rests upon her sword hilt. “ We are all friends here.” she says softly as Sharadin soon calls outs.

“At ease,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We are all allies here. Permit me to introduce Nightmist, the same lady who at one time was a member of the Swords of Cynalon before the Great War.”

Moving her hand away from her sword she looks to Balok, Janice and Viconia reassuring them as much as herself as her grandmother is introduced. Within moments the humans look dumbfounded as Nightmist reveals her true status.

“Wow!” Talen says. “I had no idea that grandma was a noble of Cynalon! I guess me and Lia really are nobility!”

“You are a noble?We are a nobles? Oh this is going to be interesting if we ever go to court!” she says in surprise.

“How exactly does this work?” Janice wonders as she takes in the Lady Iris. “How does this ship fly?”

“By a spell engine. It houses and uses spells like firewood to a fire.” she says to the mage. “Feel free to understand more, I am sure our new friends will share their knowledge with you.”

“Imagine the good we could do with a vessel like this,” Janice tells Nightmist in an awed voice. “All those we could help, no matter how far away.”

“I can imagine,” Nightmist easily answers. “Easily.”

“Perhaps when the slavers are dealt with a spell engine could find it’s way to the Lost valley so it can be so. It is after all how we recovered the Sunflower.”


Near the middle of the Great Swamp lies the ruins of the buried Elder City of Shelvestra. From above the city cannot be seen. Only the large rift over the cavern holding what remains of the city can be seen from above. The vines that further helped camouflage the Elder City were broken with the passage of the Dauntless during the battle against the HIVE.

To the other drow-
“This swamp was were we fought several Black Dragons and the Hive. There you see that cavern… that is where the Elder city is and the many corpses that were produced in the battle.”

“Talen,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We can use the Pillar Artifact to travel to Elder City and return back here can we not? I think I would like to see this Elder City for myself, if only for a few minutes. I would help be prepare a Teleportation Arrival Point for later use.”

“I wish to see it as well,” Nightmist calls out. “I want to see what my grandchildren have been up to.”

“Count me in as well,” Argent announces. “The Elders are my area of study. I've only heard about this place, now I want to see it with my own eyes.”

“We can come back here right away,” Talen states. “A quick trip to make sure the area is safe for everyone while we're away. Who else wants to come along?”

“Talen where will this portal open up to us?” she asks curiously. “We will have to find a defensible position to hold until you arrival.”

“Stay off the platform until the portal opens,” Talen calls out. “Once the portal appears, just walk through it. Its just that easy.”

Once everyone has passed through the portal, Talen will follow them.

Lia readies her sword, “ It takes but a moment, blink and you will miss it!” she says as she steps through the portal.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 8th, CR 571 or Deepnight 30th, 20,519 AP

Lost Valley:

The brief visit to the Lost Valley is wrapping up.

“Permanently hurt? No,” Talen tells his grandmother. “But I am different at the same time. The Elders left some powerful tools behind that could lead to bad things happening in the wrong hands. I'm going to stop that.”

“That is a worthy goal to pursue,” Nightmist states proudly. “I am glad that you have found a calling to make your own.”

“I figured him knowing that a drow helped free him from the rainbow bridge and the fact that a drow spared his life would be a far worse punishment than feeling the sharpness of my blade.” a slight smirk upon her lips.

“My point is that he even attacked you at all tells me that he is unhinged,” Nightmist counters. “His kind normally only attack those who follow the dark Queen of the Demonweb Pits. He is irrational. That makes him dangerous.”


Lia is introduced to a trio of drow who will be returning to the Sylvan Realm with her.

“And I you. It is good to see you well, Viconia. How does your priestess studies go?” she asks curiously.

“Far enough that I am ready to go off you,” Viconia states. “Time to spread my wings, as they say.”

“We will make it different in time. I promise you that.” she says evenly and honestly."

“Dark Lady willing,” Janice agrees.

“I pray they do not make that mistake. But if they see you in action they may think twice before doing so again!” she compliments Balok.

“I'll be gentle with them,” Balok responds with a grin.


The group returns to the Lady Iris with the new drow in tow. Lia and Lord Sharadin work to ease the tension while Nightmist reveals that she has a Cynalonian noble title.

“Wow!” Talen says. “I had no idea that grandma was a noble of Cynalon! I guess me and Lia really are nobility!”

“You are a noble? We are nobles? Oh this is going to be interesting if we ever go to court!” she says in surprise.

“Don't get too excited,” Nightmist tells her grandchildren. “My title is strictly an honorary one and is not hereditary. Your noble bearing comes from your grandfather, as he was Lord of the Realm as are all his descendants. Humans tend to be impressed with those who have a noble title. Sometimes it makes things easier to use it. Otherwise, I don't bother with it. I also have a street named after me in Pyris, but that does not impress everyone.”


Janice wonders who the Lady Iris can fly.

“By a spell engine. It houses and uses spells like firewood to a fire.” she says to the mage. “Feel free to understand more, I am sure our new friends will share their knowledge with you.”

Seeing as Lord Sharadin announced that the new arrivals are allies, Argent will fearlessly step up to the drow. “Ever hear of a Spell Engine?” Argent asks the drow. “Hi, I'm Argent, an Invoker of no small power.”

“Hello, Argent. I go by the name of Janice. Until a moment ago, no I had never heard of a Spell Engine,” Janice admits. “If its magic this advance, it's probably Alphatian I would imagine.” Janice takes in what she can about the Spell Engines powering the Lady Iris.

“Perhaps when the slavers are dealt with a spell engine could find it’s way to the Lost valley so it can be so. It is after all how we recovered the Sunflower.”

“If it is not a bother, than sure,” Nightmist agrees. “If this Spell Engine is something that valuable.”


The Lady Iris rises up into the air over the Lost Valley as part of the 'Up and Down Method'. Once out of the atmosphere, the ship accelerates to Faster Than Light velocities for a few seconds. Hundreds of miles pass by in just a blur. Now over the Great Swamp, the Lady Iris descends once more. Nightmist plays a jaunty tune on her flute to help pass the time.

Soon the Lady Iris descends into the ruins of the buried Elder City. Only a few buildings here and there can be seen along with the teleportation artifacts. The Lady Iris slowly sails past the corpses of the defeated HIVE, including several black dragons. Very little remains of the HIVE Queen as her corpse was bathed in dragon fire.

“This swamp was were we fought several Black Dragons and the Hive. There you see that cavern… that is where the Elder city is and the many corpses that were produced in the battle.”

“The stench of death is strong,” Nightmist notes. “Much suffering took place here.”

As the Lady Iris moves into the city, the larger city-to-city teleporter is noted. It's three times the size of the small versions.

Argent takes in what she can made out in this dark cavern. A large pillar formation is spotted below. “Is that the city to city version?”, Argent wonders aloud.

“Yes,” Talen reports. “But it's part of a different web from the small ones. There are only three of these in the world. The one here, the one up north that got buried again and the last is in an Elder City beneath the ocean. It's pretty useless right now.”

“Talen where will this portal open up to us?” she asks curiously. “We will have to find a defensible position to hold until you arrival.”

“To the top of the tall tower in the ruins,” Talen explains. “The same place we used to travel to Karn's Keep before. It should be safe there.”

“It's safe, right?” Argent wonders aloud. “I mean I'm not going to be beside myself again, am I?”

“Yes,” Talen tells the Invoker. “That was a wrinkle the HIVE Queen added. I've since removed it. It safe to travel this way once more.”

One by one, the travelers pass through the portal leaving only Kylie and Talen. Kylie goes next to last with Talen bringing up the rear.

[GM Mad]

Elfholds:

In the Elfholds, the full blooded elves are visiting friends and family. Onas and Arlen Brightsword are visiting their parents. The story of Chandra's fall is covered.

"That whole episode was a grim time for our clan; Chandra's actions did not bring honor to Red Arrow as he reached beyond his authority as Speaker," Onas says with a grimace. "His disastrous attack on the Elder city cost him -- and many others of our people -- their lives. With Chandra gone, Argus was best qualified to lead those of our clan who remained."

"The only good that can be said to have come from his actions was the discovery and destruction of those Hive creatures infesting the Elder city. Queen Lilia and the Chosen rescued a number of elven prisoners from them. The half-elf, Talen, was able to determine that the Hive had a larger base in the swamps not far from Elcadan. Queen Lilia allied with some human wizards, a squad of dwarves, and an aerial warship of the Alphatian Navy; together, we were able to clear the Hive from their grotto. That was truly an epic battle!"

“It sounds like it,” Naloren notes. “You both brought honor to our clan by participating in it.”

"It does, Mother," Onas replies. When we found it, the town was inhabited by some human bandits and their wyvern mounts. They were given the opportunity to leave in peace, but they unwisely chose to fight. It did not go well for them."

Onas' mother lets out a sigh. “Humans up there too? Well, it is fitting for our clan to have to fight for its home. It's the Red Arrow way.”

"The other major clan holds were recovered as well; though most will require some work to return to good condition. Unicorns, griffins, centaur, and cooshees have been encountered and befriended; there have also been encounters with talking elven cats and even a cath shee. I never realized that cath shee were so large!"

“It sounds like a marvelous place to visit,” Naloren notes. “We've never seen many of those forest dwellers before.”

“Once things are a more settled, we shall make the trip,” Aerenaiadh speaks up. “It will be a good experience for your sister. We can visit for a few months and take in all that the Sylvan Realm offers.”


Laucian is at his home temple to the north of Einsun along the shores of Black Lake.

“It is a sight to see.” Laucian smiles and says, “Send word when you are able. I will escort you personally. Aura and the other griffons will be honored to carry you to the shrine.”

“There is already talk of making the pilgrimage in cycles,” Ielenia notes. “The various Ladies temples in the Elfholds will take turns in visiting the Sylvan Realm and the ancient shrine. Most are planning on traveling over the Rainbow Bridge and then returning on the next one. So we'll be visiting for a month when the time comes for us to go.”

[GM Mad]

Elder Ruins of Shillesta:

Those who pass through the Portal Artifact find themselves in a very different place from the buried city. Much of this Elder City is above ground. The Pillar Artifact sits on top of a build dubbed the Tall Tower as it is the tallest building in this area. From this vantage point, the full extent of the Elder Ruins can be seen.

The city was shattered in the distant past by numerous earthquakes. The ground of the northern half of the city has sunk considerably and sits much lower than the area around the Tall Tower. The ground tremors had created several small islands of the city surrounded by deep trenches. The ocean can easily been seen to the north along with the massive World to World teleporter that is seventy feet tall at the far end of the docks.

The first shock to those who arrive is the inert form of Ironaya standing just off the platform of the Pillar Artifact. The construct starts to move once Talen arrives. Ironaya looks benignly at Talen. He mentally hears the construct say to him, “Identity confirmed. How can I assist you?”

Other than Ironaya, the area around the Tall Tower is deserted.

“What a marvelous view,” Nightmist notes. “Its much colder here. Are you children going to safe up here while you wait for your brother to return?”

“Most impressive,” Lord Sharadin notes, taking in the sights. “If I recall the reports correctly, the City-to-City teleporter is underneath this tower?

“What strange red stone,” the Twins note as they examine the crimson glowing stone.

[GM Mad]

December 9th, CR 571 or Deepnight 31st, 20,519 AP

Elfholds:

A new day dawns in the Elfholds. The Sunflower is made ready to fly. Once Laucian is on board, the ship takes off once more. Lothtor pilots the Sunflower to Shieldtree, the Red Arrow Clan Hold.

At Shieldtree, Onas spends some time at his home temple with Delinniel the High Priestess.

“We will visit soon,” Delinniel vows. “It has been proposed that various temples of the Queen of Arvandor visit the Sylvan Realm, the Mother Tree and our mother temple in turns. I do not know when our turn will come, but it will and we will speak again up in the Sylvan Realm.”

The Sunflower lands on the Foestop River that boarders Shieldtree on the west and southern sides. With Arlen and Onas Brightsword are on board, the Sunflower rises up once more and now flies to the east.

The next destination is Feadil, the Clan Hold for the Feador Clan. Feadil is the easternmost of the Clan Holds. It sits beside Lake Selinar. The Sunflower lands on the lake and slowly moves up to the docks. Valena climbs on board and the Sunflower is off on the next leg of its journey.

The next two stops are more tricky as there is no large body of water around Pinitel nor Alastrad. With both Gweyr and Andlin on board, the Sunflower flies off once more to its final destination on the Elfholds: Desnae. Desnae is the Clan Hold of the Chossum Clan. It was selected as the gathering place for this mission against the slavers due to its central location.

The Sunflower lands once more on the Great Flow River and makes its way to the waiting docks. A large crowd as gathered along with many boxes of supplies. The gangplank is lowered to the docks and Clan Master of the Red Arrows Redsword Truetalker is the first to board.

“Your Majesty,” Truetalker says to Lilia with a bow. “We are ready to battle the slavers. We have a small army at our disposal and many supplies to aid us.”

Many elves board the Sunflower carrying the crates of supplies. They are directed to the cargo holds down below, while many others mingle awaiting the trip back to the Sylvan Realm.

The King of the Elfholds, Miritar, is on hand as well. “May you have success on your mission,” he will tell Lilia when they meet. “Those of us staying behind will be praying for your success.”


Now what?

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

Onas and Arlen tell their parents of the battle against the Hive.

“It sounds like it,” Naloren notes. “You both brought honor to our clan by participating in it.”

"It is our duty to fight in service to our people," Onas says quietly, remembering how that concept was drilled into him from an early age. "So shall it ever be."

Onas' mother lets out a sigh. “Humans up there too? Well, it is fitting for our clan to have to fight for its home. It's the Red Arrow way.”

"It is, mother," Onas agrees. "I have been told that there is huge land of humans just to the east of the Sylvan Realm, so I doubt we've seen the last of them."

“It sounds like a marvelous place to visit,” Naloren notes. “We've never seen many of those forest dwellers before.”

Onas nods. "It is an ancient land, father. Not for nothing is it known as the homeland of the elves."

“Once things are a more settled, we shall make the trip,” Aerenaiadh speaks up. “It will be a good experience for your sister. We can visit for a few months and take in all that the Sylvan Realm offers.”

A smile breaks across Onas' face and he glances over at his brother. "We will look forward to it. How is Rillandra? How goes her training?"

===

Onas spends time the next day visiting the local shrine to Angharradh and the high priestess there.

“We will visit soon,” Delinniel vows. “It has been proposed that various temples of the Queen of Arvandor visit the Sylvan Realm, the Mother Tree and our mother temple in turns. I do not know when our turn will come, but it will and we will speak again up in the Sylvan Realm.”

"That is an interesting arrangement, priestess. I will look forward to your visit and those of our other faithful."

===

Soon, it is time to leave the Elfholds. After boarding, the ship makes stops at several other clan homes to pick up all those who are heading to the Realm. The last stop is Desnae, where they are met by Redsword Truetalker and King Miritar. Supplies are loaded, along with a small army to battle the slavers from the stars. While the crates are loaded, Onas chats with some of the Red Arrow warriors that have chosen to join the mission. "Hail and well met, clansmen. It is good to see that so many of you will be helping to end the threat of these slavers. They cannot be allowed to continue their foul work."

[Talen]

Talen:

“Just being impulsive and going off on his own. You know like always.” she looks at her brother slightly amused, slightly annoyed at the memory of him leaving by himself.

“Yeah, that's me,” Talen adds with a nervous laugh.

“That is a worthy goal to pursue,” Nightmist states proudly. “I am glad that you have found a calling to make your own.”

“Thank you, grandmother,” Talen says gratefully.

“You are a noble? We are a nobles? Oh this is going to be interesting if we ever go to court!” she says in surprise.

“Don't get too excited,” Nightmist tells her grandchildren. “My title is strictly an honorary one and is not hereditary. Your noble bearing comes from your grandfather, as he was Lord of the Realm as are all his descendants. Humans tend to be impressed with those who have a noble title. Sometimes it makes things easier to use it. Otherwise, I don't bother with it. I also have a street named after me in Pyris, but that does not impress everyone.”

Grandma quickly sets things straight. Talen has to agree on one thing. Humans do tend to make a big deal about noble titles. Certainly more than the elves do.

“Many can have noble titles,” Talen points out, “but how many of them have a street named after them? That's more impressive to me.”


The Lady Iris departs Lost Valley and heads to the Elder City in the Great Swamp.

Ascending and descending once again, the Streel valley spreads out below them. Many landmarks can be seen as they descend, and Kylie points out Orlane to Talen. "That town there is Orlane, where my father lives. I'm looking forward to seeing him soon."

“It looks homey,” Talen says in regards to the village.


The ship enters the Elder City through the overhead rift, much like the Dauntless did.

Argent takes in what she can made out in this dark cavern. A large pillar formation is spotted below. “Is that the city to city version?”, Argent wonders aloud.

“Yes,” Talen reports. “But it's part of a different web from the small ones. There are only three of these in the world. The one here, the one up north that got buried again and the last is in an Elder City beneath the ocean. It's pretty useless right now.”


The functioning Pillar Artifact is reached and Talen prepares to activate it to send Lia an her friends on to the Elder City up north. Others decide to come along as well to see what is up there.

Argent makes her way down the gangplank and walks towards the Pillar Artifact. As she does, second thoughts creep into her head as she recalls how her last trip through this thing turned out.

“It's safe, right?” Argent wonders aloud. “I mean I'm not going to be beside myself again, am I?”

“Yes,” Talen tells the Invoker. “That was a wrinkle the HIVE Queen added. I've since removed it. It safe to travel this way once more.”

“Talen where will this portal open up to us?” she asks curiously. “We will have to find a defensible position to hold until you arrival.”

“To the top of the tall tower in the ruins,” Talen explains. “The same place we used to travel to Karn's Keep before. It should be safe there.”

One by one, the travelers pass through the portal leaving only Kylie and Talen. Kylie goes next to last with Talen bringing up the rear.

"If you're going, I'm coming too. Someone has to keep you out of trouble," Kylie says with a playful smirk. When the time is right, she will step through just before Talen does.

“Well, I'm going so that those coming back have a way to get back,” Talen notes with a grin. “You are welcome to tag along.


Talen makes the trip last and closes the portal behind him. He's surprised to find Ironaya waiting for him. He forgot that the Elder Library was sent here a few days ago.

The first shock to those who arrive is the inert form of Ironaya standing just off the platform of the Pillar Artifact. The construct starts to move once Talen arrives. Ironaya looks benignly at Talen. He mentally hears the construct say to him, “Identity confirmed. How can I assist you?”

“Hey, Ironaya,” Talen says out of the blue, forgetting that he is the only one who can hear her talk. “I have no questions right now.”

“What a marvelous view,” Nightmist notes. “Its much colder here. Are you children going to safe up here while you wait for your brother to return?”

“What strange red stone,” the Twins note as they examine the crimson glowing stone.

“That's one of the neat things about this place,” Talen says excitedly. “The red stone this city is made of absorbs heat and will steadily release it. The Elders didn't like cold either, so they were experimenting with this red stone to see if they could build cities and outposts in cold places. The stone keeps the area warm enough to live in. In fact, a tribe of orcs used to live here.”

“That reminds me,” Talen continues on a different train of thought. “Many of those orcs died in battle to either the elves or the HIVE. But I am sure that some survived including females and children. We should see if they are in need of help and protection.”

“Most impressive,” Lord Sharadin notes, taking in the sights. “If I recall the reports correctly, the City-to-City teleporter is underneath this tower?

“Yes, in a plaza just outside the base of this tower, but its buried right now” Talen answers. “Let me show something really neat!”

With that, Talen dashes down the stairs urging everyone to follow him. He doesn't stop until he reaches one of the living areas down below.

“The Elders could do things with this stone as well,” Talen tries to explain. “They could direct it with their minds to make furniture. Let me show you.”

At Talen's direction, a table and chairs emerge from the floor of the tower. He quickly adds other chairs and couches to the room and puts beds in the side rooms for sleeping.

“The stone obeys my instructions, at least for a time.” Talen says. “Left without direction the stone will slowly revert back to the way it was. But it should last until I come back here.”

“Any questions?”

[Argent]

Argent:

Kylie listens as her friend provides more insight into their teacher's life. "I did not know all that, Argent. Thank you for sharing that with me." Her perspective regarding such a wedding catches her a bit by surprise. "I'm sure you're right, though I'm not sure I'm ready to be the one. Perhaps you should go first..." she says with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

“Well, since Jallarzi is the one who originally brought it up, I think she should be the first one to wed,” Argent responded with a laugh. “Finally settle down with that priest she's been seeing all these years. Let her show us how its done!”

“Hello, Argent. I go by the name of Janice. Until a moment ago, no I had never heard of a Spell Engine,” Janice admits. “If its magic this advance, it's probably Alphatian I would imagine.” Janice takes in what she can about the Spell Engines powering the Lady Iris.

“You would imagine correctly,” Argent easily answers. “Alphatians have been using them for thousands of years now. We've been coming across them lately. Simply put, it absorbs magic and in turn uses it to fuel whatever abilities were built into the Spell Engine. The ones on the Lady Iris allow the ship to fly, generate breathable area around us and shield us from the wind. It can even fly or turn the ship Invisible. It's a very useful item!”

“Yes,” Talen reports. “But it's part of a different web from the small ones. There are only three of these in the world. The one here, the one up north that got buried again and the last is in an Elder City beneath the ocean. It's pretty useless right now.”

“Web?” Argent wonders for a moment but after thinking about it decides that this means that all three are connected to each other and that from one you could go to either of the other two destinations. “Oh, I get it.”

Argent asks if the Pillar Artifact is safe or not.

“Yes,” Talen tells the Invoker. “That was a wrinkle the HIVE Queen added. I've since removed it. It safe to travel this way once more.”

“Good,” is all that Argent will say about that. Bad enough that there are many of her now as there is, but to create more? No thanks! There can be too much of a good thing.


After passing through the portal, Argent finds herself in a very different place. The other her, the Argent who arrived here all those weeks ago had spoke of this place, but seeing it in person was very different. It was much larger, grander than her words could describe.

“A whole Elder City,” Argent notes, mostly to herself. “One above ground and not buried in the mud.

Time had not been kind as the city was heavily damaged and fractured from earth tremors. The area around the arrival point was fractured into smaller islands of level ground, with gorges in between them. Further to the north, the ocean could be seen along with a gigantic pillar artifact at the end of the dock.

“That's the world to world version?” Argent calls out point at the structure miles away.

“Hey, Ironaya,” Talen says out of the blue, forgetting that he is the only one who can hear her talk. “I have no questions right now.”

Argent's attention from the scenery is broken by Talen's words. She turns wondering just who Ironaya is only to find a gigantic stone lizard standing there! How did I miss that?

“Jeepers!” Argent calls out in shock. “What is that?”

The Twins examine the glowing red stone.

“That's one of the neat things about this place,” Talen says excitedly. “The red stone this city is made of absorbs heat and will steadily release it. The Elders didn't like cold either, so they were experimenting with this red stone to see if they could build cities and outposts in cold places. The stone keeps the area warm enough to live in. In fact, a tribe of orcs used to live here.”

“So the Elders built an entire city to just test out a theory?” Argent says aloud. “That's mind boggling!”

Talen confirms that the city-to-city teleporter is below us. But before he can say any more, he's off once more. Talk about impulsive!

“Yes, in a plaza just outside the base of this tower, but its buried right now” Talen answers. “Let me show something really neat!”

With that, Talen dashes down the stairs urging everyone to follow him. He doesn't stop until he reaches one of the living areas down below.

“The Elders could do things with this stone as well,” Talen tries to explain. “They could direct it with their minds to make furniture. Let me show you.”

At Talen's direction, a table and chairs emerge from the floor of the tower. He quickly adds other chairs and couches to the room and puts beds in the side rooms for sleeping.

“The stone obeys my instructions, at least for a time.” Talen says. “Left without direction the stone will slowly revert back to the way it was. But it should last until I come back here.”

“That is really creepy,” Argent notes. “Furniture shaped by anothers thoughts.”

“Any questions?”

“Lots of them,” Argent says. “So many that I don't know where to begin. Far to many to ask right now. I'll have to compose my thoughts and get back to you later on Talen.”

A few moments later, Argent asks something that has been nagging her. “How did this happen to you, Talen? Can anyone else gain the gifts that you were given?”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Laucian will makes his way back to the Sunflower and wait. Seeing Lilia, Laucian walks up and says, “It was good to see home one more time. How was your visit?” he asks curiously awaiting them to depart.

“It was fine,” Lilia will answer in a non-committal manner. “I gathered up the rest of my belongings to take back to the Sylvan Realm. Myev enjoyed herself. Wore herself out by climbing everything in sight. The Elders didn't know what to make of her.”

Soon the Sunflower is in flight once more, hopping across the Sylvan Realm picking up those we dropped of the day before. Desnae is the final destination where the reinforcements will be gathering. As its the most central Clan Hold in the Sylvan Realm, it made the most sense to have them gather there.

The Great Flow River also makes it easier to land there. Clan Chossum is the merchant clan and they take full advantage of the water ways in the Elfholds, transporting goods to almost every other Clan Hold. A practice that Lilia hopes the Clan Chossum continues in the Sylvan Realm.

As Lilia hoped, many elves are awaiting our arrival on the docks. The Clan Master of the Elfholds Red Arrow clan is the first to come on board.

“Your Majesty,” Truetalker says to Lilia with a bow. “We are ready to battle the slavers. We have a small army at our disposal and many supplies to aid us.”

“That is excellent news, Clan Master,” Lilia happily responds. “I've also recruited several other allies as well to add us in this cause. These slavers will be taught a stern lesson.”

“The Sunflower carried the entire population of the Longrunner Clan to their Clan Hold in the Sylvan Realm,” Lilia continues. “It can handle your warband and their supplies.”

Wishing to nip any scenes in the bud, Lilia will introduce Myev to new arrivals. “Everyone, this is Myev,” Lilia calls out. “While she may not look like, she is an elf, just one from very far away. A distant cousin of ours.”

Lilia moves up to the bridge to better observe the loading of the ship and the arrival of the new troops. Once the loading is completed, Lilia will say a few words to those going on this mission.

“As Clan Master Truetalker as no doubt told you, this is a desperate situation we are faced with,” Lilia will say loudly. “The vessel we stand on today, the Sunflower, originally belonged to the slavers were will soon be facing. They want their ship back, but to make matters worse these humans from another world specialize in enslaving elves. Since we can life so long, they deem us the perfect servants. They use a foul liquid they call vidate to numb and condition an elf.”

“We have the beginnings of a plan on how to deal with the slavers,” Lilia continues. “We will return the Sunflower to where we found it, but will remove all the valuables and Spell Engines from it. Ideally, the slavers will come, take their ship and then depart. But I doubt it will be that simple. Our goal is to battle the slavers away from the Sylvan Realm. Prevent them from even knowing that an elfin forest is nearby. Therefore, the Elder Ruins to the north of the Sylvan Realm will be our battle field.

The King of the Elfholds, Miritar, is on hand as well. “May you have success on your mission,” he will tell Lilia when they meet. “Those of us staying behind will be praying for your success.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Lilia tells her Elfholds counterpart. “Hopefully we will be able to speak of more mundane matters after the slavers have been dealt with.”

Once King Miritar and those staying behind have departed the Sunflower, Lilia will address those going on this voyage once more.

“My friends, you are about to experience a wondrous way to travel,” Lilia says. “The Sunflower will rise up high into the sky to far above our world. Then it will briefly travel at unimaginable velocities that will put us over the distant Sylvan Realm. The Sunflower will then simply lower itself once more. We'll land on the Satheas River on the shores of the Elfin Palace. We have tomorrow to fully plan for the attack. The enemy arrives the day after that. Prepare yourselves.”

Lilia will nod to those, including Myev, who are controlling the Spell Engines to begin our journey back to the Sylvan Realm.

[Lia]

Lia

“To the top of the tall tower in the ruins,” Talen explains. “The same place we used to travel to Karn's Keep before. It should be safe there.”

“Then let us see.” she says simply as she draws her blade and readies herself.

Those who pass through the Portal Artifact find themselves in a very different place from the buried city. Much of this Elder City is above ground. The Pillar Artifact sits on top of a build dubbed the Tall Tower as it is the tallest building in this area. From this vantage point, the full extent of the Elder Ruins can be seen.

Lia walks through the portal, the somewhat familiar of being pulled and stepping on solid ground is felt as the colder air soon fills her lungs. Lia’s eyes instinctually narrow as the light reaches her sensitive eyes, She reaches up and pulls her cowl up over her face as she looks about the tower roof.

She sees Ironya staring at the portal. “Well that’s not creepy at all.” She looks back expectantly as the others soon walk through the portal. “ Welcome to Shillesta.” She says simply as she sweeps her arm out to the surrounding ruins of the city.

“What a marvelous view,” Nightmist notes. “Its much colder here. Are you children going to safe up here while you wait for your brother to return?”

“Grandmother, you have taught us well. I am sure we are capable of surviving till the calvary returns.”

“Most impressive,” Lord Sharadin notes, taking in the sights. “If I recall the reports correctly, the City-to-City teleporter is underneath this tower?

“Yes, along with the bodies or our fallen kin.” she says simply looking at her Uncle.

“Many can have noble titles,” Talen points out, “but how many of them have a street named after them? That's more impressive to me.”

“ Talen, Titles and streets are all well and good, but to have a grandmother such as we have is priceless. Without her, we would be by far and large, probably not who we are today.” she looks to her brother then to Nightmist, smiling.

Lia will get to know the other dark elves a little better, walking with them as they look about.

Looking to Talen, “ Can you make doors? Windows?” she asks curiously.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Saying his goodbyes, Laucian gathers his things and mounts up and heads back to the Sunflower. As he does he looks back at the Black lake and smiles thoughtfully. ‘You will have a special place in my heart.’

Soon enough the silhouette of the Sunflower comes into view. He pauses but for a moment, realizing what leaving now means. Taking a deep breath, Laucian returns his mount, take some apples from the local vendor and walks up the gang plank. Taking a bite of the apple he looks at Lilia and the other elves. “Shall we be on our way?’

When they land near Shieldtree, Laucian greets Onas and Arlen. “I hope your visit was well?” he says as he grips both their hands in greeting.

The next two stops are more tricky as there is no large body of water around Pinitel nor Alastrad. With both Gweyr and Andlin on board, the Sunflower flies off once more to its final destination on the Elfholds: Desnae. Desnae is the Clan Hold of the Chossum Clan. It was selected as the gathering place for this mission against the slavers due to its central location.

Laucian moves to the gangplank when they reach Pinitel. He looks for the fiery redhead in the crowd. Seeing Gweyr, Laucian smiles and greets her with a hug and offers to carry some of her things if she has any.

With Lilia-

“It was fine,” Lilia will answer in a non-committal manner. “I gathered up the rest of my belongings to take back to the Sylvan Realm. Myev enjoyed herself. Wore herself out by climbing everything in sight. The Elders didn't know what to make of her.”

Laucian looks to Lilia quizically, and realizes he has never asked her of her home here in the Elfholds. “So you do not plan on returning?” he asks curiously. “Myev has that effect on people at least at first.” he says with a grin upon his face.

Wishing to nip any scenes in the bud, Lilia will introduce Myev to new arrivals. “Everyone, this is Myev,” Lilia calls out. “While she may not look like, she is an elf, just one from very far away. A distant cousin of ours.”

“Family!” Laucian calls out

Laucian is quiet during the Queen’s speech. He can be found sharpening his arrows and sword.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“Well, since Jallarzi is the one who originally brought it up, I think she should be the first one to wed,” Argent responded with a laugh. “Finally settle down with that priest she's been seeing all these years. Let her show us how its done!”

"Ah, is she still seeing him?" Kylie asks, thinking back to the times when he visited during her days as a student. "What was his name: Perlen... Parolin... something like that? Or was that the gardener? It seems like so long ago."

“Just being impulsive and going off on his own. You know like always.” she looks at her brother slightly amused, slightly annoyed at the memory of him leaving by himself.

“Yeah, that's me,” Talen adds with a nervous laugh.

Kylie smirks at the exchange between brother and sister, but doesn't say anything. She said enough at the time.

“That is a worthy goal to pursue,” Nightmist states proudly. “I am glad that you have found a calling to make your own.”

“Thank you, grandmother,” Talen says gratefully.

Kylie smiles quietly at Talen. It is good for him to hear that his grandmother is proud of him. He has long suffered a lack of belief in himself; perhaps this will help.

“Many can have noble titles,” Talen points out, “but how many of them have a street named after them? That's more impressive to me.”

"I have to admit, it is pretty cool," Kylie says.

“Talen, Titles and streets are all well and good, but to have a grandmother such as we have is priceless. Without her, we would be by far and large, probably not who we are today.” she looks to her brother then to Nightmist, smiling.

Lia's words demonstrate the maturity she has gained through her experiences. Hopefully, she will continue to be a stabilizing force in Talen's life.

===

“Don't get too excited,” Nightmist tells her grandchildren. “My title is strictly an honorary one and is not hereditary. Your noble bearing comes from your grandfather, as he was Lord of the Realm as are all his descendants. Humans tend to be impressed with those who have a noble title. Sometimes it makes things easier to use it. Otherwise, I don't bother with it. I also have a street named after me in Pyris, but that does not impress everyone.”

It seems that Talen and Lia are officially as noble as their actions. Though their beginnings may have seemed humble to them and others, that clearly does not define who they are.

===

“It looks homey,” Talen says in regards to the village.

Kylie smiles, recalling her previous visits and looking ahead to seeing her father soon. "It's not fancy, but it's comfortable and not too bothered by the troubles in other areas."

As they descend into the caverns under the Great Swamp, Lia points out the bodies of the huge beasts they fought.

“The stench of death is strong,” Nightmist notes. “Much suffering took place here.”

"Yes, ma'am," Kylie says, memories of some of the horror they witnessed flooding back. "The Hive were feeding lizardfolk and other sentients to their filthy spawn. Fortunately, they are no more."

Soon, they are at the pillar artifact and ready to travel to the Elder city.

“Well, I'm going so that those coming back have a way to get back,” Talen notes with a grin. “You are welcome to tag along.

"Tag along, huh," Kylie replies, smiling. "You'd be lost without me. Again."

===

The first thing they encounter on the other side is Ironaya. She appears to have traveled through and then just... stopped. It seems that without instructions for what to do here, it didn't do anything.

“A whole Elder City,” Argent notes, mostly to herself. “One above ground and not buried in the mud.

"Well, partly really. A fair bit of the city is still partly or fully buried," Kylie says. "I suspect a fair bit of excavation will be required to fully explore and study the city."

“That's the world to world version?” Argent calls out point at the structure miles away.

Kylie looks where her friend is pointing. "Exactly. We don't yet know what worlds it connects to, though."

“That's one of the neat things about this place,” Talen says excitedly. “The red stone this city is made of absorbs heat and will steadily release it. The Elders didn't like cold either, so they were experimenting with this red stone to see if they could build cities and outposts in cold places. The stone keeps the area warm enough to live in. In fact, a tribe of orcs used to live here.”

"I recall it turning transparent in the walls up at Crimson Crest," Kylie adds, pointing in the direction of the overlook they had visited. "I'm not sure if all of it can do that, or if that phenomenon was specific to something about that construction."

“That reminds me,” Talen continues on a different train of thought. “Many of those orcs died in battle to either the elves or the HIVE. But I am sure that some survived including females and children. We should see if they are in need of help and protection.”

"That's a good thought, Talen. I'm happy to help look. Any idea where they might be hiding?" Kylie starts to rise into the air to get a better view of the area.

However, Talen starts to dash down the stairs into the tower, excited to show off other features of the place. Alarmed, and having seen Talen dash off heedlessly before, Kylie flies after him. When they reach one of the living areas below, he shows off his ability to form things from the stone, creating furniture for those who will be staying here for the next day or two. Argent's fascination with all things Elder is quickly becoming apparent, and Kylie smiles to see her friend in her element.

_____________________________________________________________________
I don't know if a name for Jallarzi's boyfriend has ever been mentioned, so I fudged around it.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed